Warning: Yellow

To expect: Rain

Affected area: Multiple, listed below

Start time estimate: Tuesday midnight

End time estimate: Tuesday 5pm

The Met Office has issued a Yellow rain warning for several regions across the UK for Tuesday.

The warning is covering parts of East Midlands, North East England, North West England, SW Scotland, Lothian Borders, Strathclyde, West Midlands, Yorkshire and Humber. All local areas affected are listed below.

Heavy rain will soak the regions. The showers are projected to arrive across the areas on Tuesday at around midnight, and it will last until 5pm.

The Yellow warning for rain was announced at 10:17am on Monday, January 26.

A Met Office forecast said: “Outbreaks of rain will spread northwards on Monday night into Tuesday, falling as snow on high ground. Rainfall accumulations of 20-30mm are likely fairly widely with 40-50mm possible in places. Totals may accumulate fairly quickly in parts of the southern Pennines and southwest Scotland, which could see accumulations of 20mm in a 3 hour period. Whilst accumulating snow is unlikely at low-levels, there will be a sharp increase in snow depths with elevation, with the potential for 2-5 cm in places above about 300m, 5-10 cm above 400m, and 10-20 cm above 500m. This may impact some high-level routes, with drifting possible in rather brisk southeasterly winds. Strong, gusty winds, especially to the west of hills, may exacerbate the potential for transport disruption. Snow may transition back to rain on some hills as slightly milder air arrives the south.”

What to expect

Some roads and railways likely to be affected with longer journey times by road, bus and train services; Some interruption to power supplies and other services likely; Bus and train services probably affected with journey times taking longer; Spray and flooding on roads probably making journey times longer; Flooding of a few homes and businesses is likely.

What should you do during heavy downpours?

Snowy, wintry weather can cause delays and make driving conditions dangerous. Keep yourself and others safe by planning your route, giving yourself extra time for your journey. Check for road closures or delays to public transport and amend plans if necessary. If driving, make sure you have some essentials in your car in the event of any delays (e.g., warm clothing, food, water, a blanket, a torch, ice scraper/de icer, a warning triangle, high visibility vest and an in-car phone charger). Check if your property could be at risk of flooding. If so, consider preparing a flood plan and an emergency flood kit. Give yourself the best chance of avoiding delays by checking road conditions if driving, or bus and train timetables, amending your travel plans if necessary. People cope better with power cuts when they have prepared for them in advance. It’s easy to do; consider gathering torches and batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essential items. Be prepared for weather warnings to change quickly: when a weather warning is issued, the Met Office recommends staying up to date with the weather forecast in your area. For further details see Met Office Warnings & Advice.

Full list of local areas affected

East Midlands
Derbyshire

North East England
Durham, Northumberland

North West England
Cheshire East, Cumbria, Greater Manchester, Lancashire

SW Scotland, Lothian Borders
Dumfries and Galloway, East Lothian, Edinburgh, Midlothian Council, Scottish Borders, West Lothian

Strathclyde
East Ayrshire, South Ayrshire, South Lanarkshire

West Midlands
Staffordshire

Yorkshire and Humber
North Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, West Yorkshire

What is a yellow 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 Yellow weather alert for rain will remain in place until 5pm on Tuesday.