The record-breaking weather statistic has many wondering if it is now time to build an ark.
As Britain’s big wet continues forecasters have warned there is “no end in sight” as the UK enters a record-breaking 38 consecutive days of rain.
Greater Manchester is on flood watch amid a wave of warnings across the country. As rivers continue to respond to persistent rainfall, officials are warning that land, roads, and properties in the North West could be at risk.
While the most severe warnings are focused on the South West of England, the Environment Agency (EA) has confirmed that localised flooding from rivers and surface water is possible for parts of the North West over the next 48 hours.
With the ground already soaking wet, even moderate rainfall may cause immediate run-off, threatening to overwhelm local drainage systems, small watercourses, and could cause some flash flooding.
As yet another wet Sunday sets in, England’s Environment Agency has issued nearly 90 high-level flood warnings and more than 230 flood alerts across England, Greater Manchester residents are urged to stay alert this Sunday with several waterways being monitored for flooding.
Waterways to watch:
- The Upper River Derwent: Levels are being monitored closely as rain continues to fall on the hills.
- The River Foulness and Market Weighton catchment: Alerts remain in place as water levels rise.
- River Trent and River Idle: Significant alerts are active for these major systems in the neighbouring regions, which could impact travel for those heading east or south from Manchester.
The scale of the wild weather is evident across the UK, with the South West currently bearing the brunt of the weather. Significant flooding is deemed as probable for Somerset and Dorset, where dozens of Red warnings are in place.
The River Severn has seen also seeing minor flooding, and warnings have been issued as far east as the River Glen in Lincolnshire. In total, there are currently 89 flood warnings (where flooding expected) and 232 flood alerts (where flooding possible) active across England.
Forecasters have warned that while the rain may ease sporadically, the risk remains “possible but not expected” from Monday through to Wednesday. However, for today and tomorrow, the message is clear: be prepared.
A spokesperson for the Environment Agency said: “Localised flooding from rivers and surface water is possible more widely today for parts of England due to further rain falling on wet ground. Land, roads and properties may flood and there may be travel disruption.”
Met Office meteorologist Dan Stroud gave little hope when telling Britons that the gloomy conditions are set to continue. He said, earlier in the week: “Unfortunately, there’s no end in sight.”