STORM ALERT: Britain set for torrential rain, gales and flooding in run up to weekend
BRITAIN is on storm alert with torrential rain, gales and flooding threatening chaos in the run up to the weekend.
Heavy rain, gales and even FROST predicted for the UK today
Experts blame an unusually powerful jet stream which has moved northwards from Europe over the UK.
It will pull low-pressure systems lined up in the Atlantic across the country sparking warnings for flooding and traffic disruption.
The Environment Agency issued flood alerts ahead of heavy downpours forecast to set in last night.
Britain is forecast to see torrential rain, gales and flooding
Rainfall will cross the country from late Wednesday through Thursday continuing the need for brollies and jackets
Accuweather forecaster Eric Leister said more than an inch of rain could hit parts of the country as gusts touch gale force, particularly in the Northwest.
There will be further rain across the country from tomorrow until over the weekend.
He said: “Rainfall will cross the country from late Wednesday through Thursday continuing the need for brollies and jackets. A more potent storm will set its sights on the UK from Friday into Saturday.
Level-2 warning released as England set for freezing weather
Experts blame an unusually powerful jet stream
“Travel delays will range from car to rail and air traffic due to strong winds and also the potential for localised flooding.”
Despite the grim forecast experts say Britain is about to warm up as Atlantic winds push thermometers into double figures.
Southern regions could see highs of 57.2F (14C) today while temperatures in the North will touch 51F.
Travel delays can be expected and will range from car to rail and air traffic
The Met Office said parts of the country could nudge 61F by the end of the week – around six degrees higher than average for the time of year.
However, forecasters warn the country could turn much colder again towards the middle of spring.
There is the potential for localised flooding
The topsy-turvy forecasts have led bookies Coral to cut the odds on Britain having the coldest Easter on record on April 16 to 2-1 from 4-1 and down to 3-1 on it being the coldest March in history.
Spokesman John Hill said: “It’s rare for us to be taking bets for snow to fall in Easter but punters have been rushing in this year to take our odds.”