Storm Ciarán: Flood warnings in place as UK braces for heavy rain

Storm Ciarán is poised to bring heavy rain and potential flooding to various regions across the UK in the upcoming days. Flood warnings cover parts of England, Scotland, and Wales, while Northern Ireland faces yellow rain warnings.

Anticipated to hit on Thursday, Ciarán is expected to bring strong winds and heavy rainfall, especially in southern England and Wales. This warning follows previous flooding incidents in multiple UK areas.

Forecasters cautioned that the already saturated ground due to continuous wet weather heightens the risk of flooding. The Environment Agency urged caution on coastal paths and promenades and advised against driving through floodwater, warning that only 30cm (12in) of flowing water could move a car.

BBC Weather lead presenter Simon King emphasized that Storm Ciarán could trigger further flooding in some regions. He highlighted that the storm is likely to cause high winds and heavy rain, with gusts up to 80mph or possibly 90mph in exposed areas.

Met Office deputy chief meteorologist Chris Almond warned of wind gusts up to 50 or 60 mph inland. A deep, low-pressure system will lead to heavy rain across the UK, especially in southern and western areas, with expected rainfall ranging from 20 to 25mm across the region and up to 40 to 60mm in higher ground.

Tuesday is predicted to be relatively unsettled but calmer before significant winds and extended periods of rain develop from Wednesday night into Thursday.

Over the weekend, heavy rainfall led to homes being evacuated and shops damaged in County Durham. In Hastings, East Sussex, a shopping center was evacuated due to floodwater breaching one of its entrances. A caravan park in Bognor Regis was submerged, with Tesco's supermarket car park flooded, and strong winds caused damage to a house roof in what locals described as resembling a "tornado."

Around 80 homes in Fiskerton, Lincolnshire, face the persistent threat of flooding after damage was found along a 30m (98.4ft) section of the River Witham following Storm Babet.

According to National Farmers Union deputy president Tom Bradshaw, the heavy rain from Storm Babet rendered hundreds of acres of farmland inaccessible.

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