Homes in 22 UK areas told ‘prepare to turn off gas, water and electricity’

People living in 22 UK areas are being urged to prepare to turn off their gas, water and electricity as heavy rain is forecast.

A yellow weather warning for heavy rain has been issued by the Met Office for parts of South East and South West England on Wednesday and Thursday, which could lead to possible flooding of homes and businesses. The forecaster said spells of rain, which will be heavy at times, will affect large swathes of southern England from 6am on Wednesday until 8am on Thursday, while some snow is also likely over higher ground, particuarly during Wednesday night. Up to 20mm of rain is expected fairly widely, while areas near the south coast could see around 30mm and as much as 50mm over Dartmoor.

Strong winds will accompany the rain and snow which could exacerbate the impact of the weather in places, with large waves possible around some east-facing coasts.

The heavy downpours are expected to lead to spray and flooding on roads, possible flooding of homes and some interruption to power supplies, so households are being adivsed to prepare for the weather now and protect their property, including turning off gas, water and electricity supplies.

The drastic advice given by the Met Office on how to prepare for the worst in the event of flooding also recommends preparing a flood kit, charging mobile phones and storing valuables up high to avoid being damaged.

In its advice for staying safe in heavy rain, the national forecaster said: “It's never too late to take action and prepare for flooding. Follow these six simple steps to protect your home or business:

• Check the flood advice in your area to know when and where flooding will happen
• Charge mobile phone devices
• Park your car outside the flood zone
• Prepare a flood kit to help you cope in the event of flooding to your home and business
• Store valuables up high, including electrical devices, important documents and furniture
• Turn off gas, water and electricity supplies.”

You should only switch off your gas, water and electricity supplies if it is safe to do so and be sure that you don’t touch an electrical switch if you’re standing in water.

Your water stop tap will usually be found inside your home where your water supply comes in, or outside close to your property’s boundary under a cover, your gas shut-off valve next to your gas meter, and your mains electricity cut off on your fuse board with a big on and off switch.

The National Grid says: “If flood water is about to enter your property, turn off your electricity supply using the isolator switch or fuse unit. Only attempt this if it's safe to do so, and never take any unnecessary risks. You can speak to your insurer or a qualified electrician if you need further advice. Your meter could be inside your property or outside in a dedicated meter cabinet.

“Never touch any electrical appliances, cables, or equipment while standing in floodwater. Please don't touch any appliances, cables, or equipment that has been touched by floodwater, as they may not be safe.”

The 22 UK areas forecast to be affected by heavy rain on Wednesday and Thursday, with yellow weather warnings in place and a potential risk of flooding, are:

London & South East England

• Bracknell Forest
• Brighton and Hove
• East Sussex
• Hampshire
• Isle of Wight
• Kent
• Portsmouth
• Reading
• Southampton
• Surrey
• West Berkshire
• West Sussex
• Wokingham

South West England

• Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole
• Cornwall
• Devon
• Dorset
• Isles of Scilly
• Plymouth
• Somerset
• Torbay
• Wiltshire