Heavy rainfall will batter large parts of England and Wales on Saturday, with the Met Office issuing a yellow weather warning amid fears of flooding and travel chaos.
The warning takes effect at 3am on Saturday, 15th June, running until 6pm as forecasters predict widespread downpours that could dump 20-30mm of rain across the region. Some areas may see totals of 40-50mm, raising serious concerns about surface water flooding in urban areas and on already saturated ground.
The alert covers much of southern and central England, including Cornwall, Devon, Somerset, parts of the Midlands and the South East. Nearly all of Wales falls under the warning, with coastal areas facing the additional threat of strong winds that could worsen conditions.
Drivers face treacherous conditions with standing water and poor visibility likely to cause significant delays. Train and bus services could face cancellations, whilst households in flood-prone areas are urged to clear drains and secure outdoor items. The Met Office warns against attempting to drive or walk through floodwater.
Temperatures will remain mild at 12-16C, but moderate winds of 10-20mph could strengthen to 35mph in coastal areas during the heaviest showers. The combination threatens to bring down trees and cause power cuts in some locations.
The wet weather should ease by Saturday evening, with drier conditions returning on Sunday. However, any localised flooding may continue to cause problems into the new week as communities assess the damage.