As the UK braces for a series of wet and windy weather systems, the Met Office has issued a range of weather warnings, including an amber alert for eastern Scotland. The heavy rain and strong winds are expected to bring significant rainfall totals and a high risk of flooding in several regions.
The amber warning covers Grampian, Angus, and Perth and Kinross, where rainfall accumulations of 60-80mm are likely, with as much as 100-120mm over high ground. The total rainfall since Wednesday evening may exceed 150mm in some areas, leading to surface water and river flooding.
Elsewhere in eastern Scotland, a wider yellow warning is in place, with rainfall accumulations of 30-60mm expected. The Met Office warns that with the ground already saturated from recent rain and snow thaw, this could also result in some localised flooding.
The strong south-easterly winds in north-east Scotland will add to the unpleasant conditions, making it feel particularly uncomfortable for residents.
Additional yellow warnings have been issued for south-east Wales, Somerset, Devon, and Northern Ireland, where persistent and heavy rain throughout the day could lead to further flooding and transport disruption.
As of Thursday morning, there were nearly 160 flood warnings in force across England, Scotland, and Wales, reflecting the severity of the situation.
Looking ahead, the UK will be impacted by Storm Ingrid, which was named by the Portuguese weather service due to the expected impacts in that region. The centre of the storm will move close to the south-west of England and north-west France, bringing strengthening winds to the UK on Friday, with gusts up to 65mph expected.
While not as powerful as the recent Storm Goretti, which brought winds of nearly 100mph to south-west England, Storm Ingrid could still have a significant impact.
The windy conditions are expected to persist through Saturday as the centre of Ingrid stalls to the south-west. The rest of the UK will avoid the direct effects of the storm, but the rain in eastern Scotland will continue, with some snow over higher ground.
Looking further ahead, a cold snap is on the way, with temperatures expected to drop to 4-6°C below average for the end of January by Monday. The easterly winds will also bring the risk of occasional wintry showers, with snow possible in some parts of the UK, although the exact locations and amounts are yet to be determined.
