The Met Office has warned of a ‘danger to life’ as severe downpours set in across parts of the UK.
An amber weather warning has been issued in the north of England, with parts of Greater Manchester, Sheffield, and Wakefield affected as heavy rain falls on Thursday and Friday.
The amber alert has been in place since 7am on Thursday morning, and is expected to last until approximately 3am on Friday.
Met Office meteorologists have said that homes and businesses are “likely” to be flooded, with fast-flowing or deep floodwater posing a danger to life.
Residents living within the affected area have been warned of likely delays and cancellations to public transport services, dangerous driving conditions, and a “good chance” of some communities being cut off by flooded roads. Power cuts and a disruption to other services to homes and businesses is also likely.
Up to 100mm of rain could fall across parts of the Pennines on Thursday.
The Met Office’s chief meteorologist Neil Armstrong said, “With a weather front from the latest low-pressure system effectively stalling over the north of
England there will be a period of heavy and sustained rainfall through Thursday in the north of England. With the possibility of up to 100mm of rain falling on already saturated ground there could be some significant disruption.
“A strengthening north-easterly wind will make it feel even more unpleasant. Take extra care if you are travelling and keep up to date with the Met Office forecast for the latest information.”
There are currently two flood warnings in place where immediate action in required – one near the village of Buttercrambe near York, on the River Derwent, and another in the village of Whiston, south of Rotherham.
A total of 54 other locations across England and Wales are also currently under flood alerts, and have been urged to remain prepared.
Two wider yellow warnings for rain are also in place on Thursday, one across parts of North Wales, until midnight on Thursday, and another stretching from the Lincoln area, west to Manchester, and north to Durham, which is set to stay in place until 6am on Friday. Related... Manchester’s River Irwell Has Been 'Polluted' With A Mysterious White Foam Masks, Protests And Car Rationing – Pictures Reveal Shocking Impact Of Delhi's Air Pollution Woman Dies After Tree Falls On Car As High Winds Sweep Country