The BRITS are braced for a soak as “heavy and thunderstorm-like rainfall” is expected and a 30-mile flood alert has been issued.
People living on the Cumbrian coast between Silloth in the north and Saint Bees in the south have been warned to prepare for flooding from the Irish Sea in the coming 24 hours or so.
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Cars stuck in flood waters in Peterston-Super-Ely near Cardiff in January this yearSource: WNS
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A 30 mile stretch of Cumbria coast is subject to a flood warning from the Environment Agency. Photo credit: GOV UK
The Environment Agency has warned that low-lying areas such as Allonby, Maryport and Workington are particularly at risk.
Residents in the affected area, which stretches for about 30 miles, have been asked to monitor local water levels and the latest weather updates.
They were also warned not to use low-lying footpaths.
The affected area lies at the head of the Irish Sea and is part of the Channel of the River Esk and the Estuary of the River Eden.
Both rivers flow into the sea in the north of the county near Carlisle.
According to the Met Office, it will rain from the west in the next 24 hours.
Scotland is expected to experience the worst of the rains, which could also be accompanied by thunderstorms, while Cumbria is also set to experience miserable weather.
According to the meteorologist’s website, “The rain band will continue to move southeast on Tuesday, with sunny spells on either side.”
“Scotland and Northern Ireland will also see some more showers, potentially heavy and thunderstorm-like. Temperatures are close to normal at the end of August.
“Cloud with showery outbursts of rain that clear to the east and emerge for many clear periods.
“Some rain showers persisted in parts of Scotland and North West England. Cooler than before than at night.
Up to 10mm of rain could fall in Cumbria and Lancashire over the next 24 hours, according to Met Office meteorologist Tom Morgan.
He said: “It rained a lot there over the weekend and that could be partly why the ground is saturated.”
The wettest spot in the UK yesterday was the village of Warcop in Cumbria, which lies on the River Eden some 60 miles inland from the coast.
The Environment Agency’s flood warning said: “Flooding is possible in this area… Monitor local water levels and weather conditions.”
“Avoid using low-lying footpaths or entering areas prone to flooding. Start implementing your flood plan if you have one.”
“Flood Alert Area: Low-lying areas along the coast from Silloth to St Bees Head, including Allonby, Maryport, Flimby, Workington, Parton and Whitehaven.”
Workington and the surrounding area were hit by devastating floods in 2009.
The Environment Agency said there had been 12.4 inches of rain in 24 hours, the highest amount of rainfall ever recorded in England.
Hundreds of people had to be evacuated from their homes as the Derwent and Cocker rivers burst their banks and floodwaters swept away bridges and destroyed roads.
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Flood defenses have been installed in Bewdley, Worcestershire after persistent rain led to flood warnings along the River Severn earlier in the yearSource: PA
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Flooding in Crickhowell, Powys, Wales after the River Usk burst its banks in January 2023.Source: WNS
Source : www.thesun.co.uk