UK weather: Roads flooded as torrential rain blasts Britain and Met Office warns homes at risk of deluge

ROADS have been flooded and some homes are at risk as torrential rain engulfs the UK.

The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning in which it says that flooding of homes and businesses is “possible” and travel delays are likely.

Reuters

Cars were partially submerged in London as the Thames overflowed| London[/caption]

©Graham Hunt

The Met Office said that flooding of homes was possible in some areas| Dorchester, Dorset[/caption]

The warning covers a large stretch of the south coast from Arundel to Hastings, encompassing much of Sussex, including Brighton.

It came into force at midday today and last until midnight.

The Met warned that people in that area were likely to see “spray and flooding on some roads making journey times longer”.

However, it’s not only the people of Sussex who are seeing flooding and heavy rain.

Cars were partially submerged today in central London due to high water levels on the River Thames.

Flash flooding has also hit a number of areas, with roads cut off and travel almost impossible.

The Environment Agency has four flood warnings in place, meaning that floods are “expected”.

These cover the areas around Climping Beach in West Sussex, around the River Nene in Cambridgeshire and two areas around Dorchester, Dorset.

The agency has also issued 57 flood alerts, which mean that flooding is possible, in areas ranging from Bristol to Leicestershire to parts of Derbyshire.

The Met Office forecast for tonight, though, predicts that the rain will clear eastwards and the next few days are set to see drier but colder conditions.

The long range forecast for next week suggests a cold snap, accompanied by unsettled weather, with some heavy rain and strong winds particularly focused on northern areas.

However, festive weather watchers will be excited to discover that the set of long range forecasts now also includes Christmas Day, revealing whether or not it will snow.

Those making plans for a Christmas walk with family will be relieved to here that the settled weather is set to return by the big day.

However, anyone dreaming of a white Christmas may be disappointed as there is currently no mention of snow, though the forecast may change.

LNP

Travel delays are also expected| Swanley, Kent[/caption]

©Graham Hunt

There are 57 flood alerts in place| Dorchester, Dorset[/caption]

Bav Media

Drier, colder weather is set to break through this week, though| Sutton, Cambridgeshire[/caption]