A “perfect storm” of heavy rain, strong winds and melting snow is set to bring havoc to the
UK this weekend as Storm Dennis takes up where Storm Ciara left off just a few days ago.
And that’s all of the UK – the Met Office has issued a severe weather warning for the entire country on Sunday.
Saturday will be grim for most of us too – severe weather warnings covering England, Wales and large parts of
Scotland are in place.Here’s everything you need to know...What to expectStorm Dennis is forecast to batter large swathes of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern
Ireland with 70mph winds and up to 140mm (5.5inches) of rain in some areas, PA Media reports.#StormDennis continues to deepen in the Atlantic this evening and will then bring gales and heavy #rain across the UK through this #weekendStay #WeatherAwarepic.twitter.com/0sGFwIDrjn— Met Office (@metoffice) February 14, 2020FloodingThat “perfect storm” of heavy rain, strong winds and melting snow could leave hundreds of homes across the UK flooded this weekend, experts have warned.
The Environment Agency (EA) said the flood impact from the weather system is likely to be worse than last weekend’s Storm Ciara due to rain falling on already saturated ground.#StormDennis is expected to bring very heavy rain, flooding and disruption to parts of the North, South East and South West of
England over the weekend and into next week.Check your area for flood warnings here: https://t.co/xeEdR9bDsCpic.twitter.com/78819MuTfJ— Environment Agency (@EnvAgency) February 14, 2020John Curtin, the agency’s executive director of flood and coastal risk management, said Cumbria, Lancashire and Yorkshire were the areas he was most “concerned” about.
“This (storm) could be a step up from what we have seen before,” Curtin said.
“We had a big storm last weekend, (we now have) saturated catchments, snowmelt and rainfall, so it is a perfect storm.”RoadsThe storm is also likely to cause treacherous driving conditions.
AA Patrol of the Year Ben Sheridan said: “The forecast looks bleak across the UK with warnings for wind and heavy rain which will significantly reduce visibility on the roads.
“For those who are braving the storm, drivers should make sure they account for the conditions. Slow down, allow for greater stopping distances and watch out for potential hazards.”Heavy #rain forecast for much of the UK on Saturday. #StormDennisBe #weatheraware if you are out and about. pic.twitter.com/hUALgufMGo— Met Office (@metoffice) February 14, 2020RailNetwork Rail advised passengers to expect disruption on many routes due to flooding and to allow more time for their journeys.
Tracks could be flooded as the ground near parts of the railway is already saturated, particularly in the North West.
Cross-border journeys between England and Scotland were severely restricted last weekend.
Network Rail’s network services director Nick King said: “As we saw last week, stormy weather brings high winds that can lead to trees and other debris falling on to the railway, and floods that prevent us from running trains on parts of the network.
“That is why we are again asking passengers to check their journeys before they travel this weekend, either with their train operator directly or through National Rail Enquiries.
“Our teams of engineers will again be out working at all hours and in all weathers to remove fallen trees and debris from the railway, repair damaged infrastructure and work to reopen lines affected by flooding.”
Households living near rail lines are being urged to secure any loose items in their gardens, after several trampolines were blown on to tracks and overhead electric wires last weekend, blocking lines.AirThere is no reported air travel disruption as yet but you might be in for a bumping landing if you’re flying into the UK.Related... Storm Ciara Helps BA Flight Make Fastest Ever Subsonic Atlantic Crossing