Overview
- Amber rain alerts run from midday to midnight on Friday for parts of Wales, the Midlands, the South West, the South East and the East of England, with a broader yellow rain warning from 6am Friday to 6am Saturday.
- The Met Office says 40–60mm of rain is likely widely, 60–80mm in places, with over 100mm possible on east-facing hills and, in amber areas, totals potentially exceeding 150mm during the event.
- Strong easterly gusts of 50–70mph are expected in exposed areas on Friday under separate yellow wind warnings, with a risk of thunderstorms later in the day.
- Officials warn of a danger to life from fast-flowing or deep floodwater, with likely transport disruption, road closures, and possible power cuts affecting some communities.
- Environment Agency and Natural Resources Wales have issued flood alerts and urged residents to prepare flood plans and kits, while forecasters note the North West, including Greater Manchester, should avoid the worst impacts.