Warning: Amber
To expect: Rain
Affected areas: North West England
Start time estimate: Sunday 6am
End time estimate: Monday 6pm
The Met Office has issued an Amber rain warning for North West England for Sunday and Monday.
The region will be lashed by heavy downpours, which are projected to start pouring on Sunday at around 6am before tapering off on Monday 6pm.
The Amber alert for rain was announced at 3:00pm on Friday, December 12.
A Met Office forecast said: “Persistent rainfall across northwest England will be particularly heavy over parts of Cumbria. During the course of Sunday and Monday, over 100 mm of rainfall is expected to accumulate widely across the warning area. Over 200 mm is possible in some locations, particularly in the west of the area.”
What to expect
Fast flowing or deep floodwater is likely, causing danger to life; Homes and businesses are likely to be flooded, causing damage to some buildings; Delays and cancellations to train and bus services are likely; Spray and flooding will likely lead to difficult driving conditions and some road closures; A good chance some communities will be cut off by flooded roads; Power cuts and loss of other services to some homes and businesses likely.
What should you do during severe rainfall?
Keep yourself and others safe; prepare to avoid travelling by road during potentially dangerous road conditions. If you must travel, ensure you watch for possible danger and drive cautiously. It is not safe to drive, walk or swim through floodwater, avoid it where possible and if you are affected by fast flowing or deep-water call 999, and wait for help. Preparing a flood kit could save you from loss or damage due to flooding to your home or business. In your flood kit have: insurance and any other important documents; a torch & spare batteries; a first aid kit, prescription medicines and supplies for looking after your family members or pets; and warm, waterproof clothes, blankets, food and water. Consider checking on vulnerable people that you know including older people, those with underlying conditions and those who live alone; they may need support with food and medical supplies. If you are worried about your health or that of somebody you know, ring NHS 111. Stay up to date with the weather forecast for your area and follow advice from emergency services and local authorities. For further details see Met Office Warnings & Advice.
What is an amber weather warning?
The Met Office has three categories of weather warning, depending on the likely impact of severe weather and also how likely it is to strike in a particular area.
A yellow warning is issued when weather conditions are expected to disrupt travel and traffic and may impact on daily routines but are not likely to pose a risk to life or property.
An amber warning is more severe and advises people to think about changing their plans to minimise the risk.
A red warning means weather conditions are expected to be dangerous with widespread damage to property and a risk to life, with the public usually advised to avoid travelling.
The Amber weather alert for rain will remain in effect until 6pm on Monday.