In Hastings, located in East Sussex, a shopping mall had to be cleared out when floodwaters forcefully breached one of its entry points.
Parts of the United Kingdom are on high alert as Storm Ciarán approaches, with heavy rain and flooding anticipated in various regions. Flood warnings have been issued across England, Scotland, and Wales, accompanied by yellow rain warnings in Northern Ireland. The storm, set to unleash its full force on Thursday, is expected to bring strong winds and relentless rainfall, posing significant risks to communities already grappling with saturated ground conditions due to persistent wet weather.
Over the past weekend, several UK areas faced severe flooding, leading to evacuations and property damage. In County Durham, a village was inundated with several feet of water, forcing homes to be evacuated and causing damage to shops. In Hastings, East Sussex, a shopping centre was evacuated after floodwaters breached its entrances. Bognor Regis experienced widespread flooding, submerging a caravan park, and flooding the Tesco supermarket car park. The powerful winds associated with the storm tore off the roof of a house, leaving residents shocked by the intensity of the weather, likening it to a "tornado."
BBC Weather lead presenter, Simon King, cautioned that Storm Ciarán posed an imminent threat, especially in areas already saturated by recent rainfall. He warned of the likelihood of further floods, particularly in southern England and the Channel Isles. Initial stormy conditions are expected in these areas on Thursday, with damaging gusts of wind reaching up to 80mph, possibly even 90mph in exposed regions. The heavy rain accompanying the storm will spread north and eastward throughout the day.
Met Office deputy chief meteorologist, Chris Almond, emphasized the potential impact of the storm, highlighting wind gusts of 50 to 60 mph inland. Almond stated that the deep, low-pressure system would bring substantial rainfall, particularly in southern and western areas. Rainfall amounts of 20 to 25 mm are anticipated widely across the region, with up to 40 to 60 mm expected over higher ground. Met Office meteorologist, Marco Petagna, stressed that various warnings have been issued across the UK, and additional warnings are likely in the coming days, characterizing Storm Ciarán as a "probably quite a nasty storm."
The Environment Agency has urged the public to exercise caution along coastal paths and promenades. They strongly advised against driving through floodwater, citing that just 30cm (11.8 inches) of flowing water could move a car, emphasizing the potential dangers associated with flooded roads.
Residents and authorities are gearing up for the impending storm, taking necessary precautions to mitigate potential damages. The nation remains on high alert as it braces for the arrival of Storm Ciarán, emphasizing the importance of preparedness and community safety in the face of severe weather conditions.
Image credited: BBC
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