Weekend weather warnings: Met Office say wet and windy conditions before cold and frost arrives
If you have outdoor plans for the weekend you might want to take a rain check as the Met Office issues weather warnings for large parts of the UK.
The Met Office has issued yet another weather warning arriving just in time for the weekend. Heavy rain and winds are expected to descend upon large parts of England and Wales on Friday evening (November 14).
The weather forecast for Thursday (November 13) may lull some into a false sense of security with it feeling milder and mostly fine, especially in the south. A slow moving, slowly weakening rain band will affect Northern Ireland, northern England and southern Scotland though and it will feel colder with a few showers in the north.
However, it will return to wet and windy weather on Friday across England and Wales into Saturday morning (November 15). The wind and rain is then expected to ease, replaced with brighter, colder weather extending from the north to all parts of the UK. Gardeners should also beware with overnight frost also expected.
Weather warning: Where is affected?
The heavy, prolonged rain during Friday into early Saturday could lead to some flooding and disruption.
According to the Met Office alert, there is a slight chance of power cuts and loss of other services to some homes and businesses along with a small likelihood that homes and businesses could be flooded, causing damage to buildings.
On the road, spray and flooding will lead to difficult driving conditions, some road closures, and bus and train services delayed or cancelled. The warning also states a small chance that some communities will become cut off by flooded roads.
Met Office tips for staying safe in heavy rain
The Met Office has compiled a list of tips for staying safe in heavy rain when a warning is in place.
The first is to be prepared if your property is at risk of flooding. If so, you should prepare a flood plan and emergency flood kit. More information on how to do this is available on the Met Office website.
They also advise people to check flood advice in their area, charge mobile phones, park your car outside the flood zone, and store valuables, including important documents and electronics up high.
If you do get trapped in a flood, advice is to go to the highest level in the building you are in but do not enter attic spaces to avoid getting trapped by rising water. Only go to a roof if necessary, call 999 and wait for help.
It is safer not to drive in heavy rain but if you it is essential, try only to use main roads, use dipped headlights, and leave a larger gap between vehicles.
If you come across floodwater, it is not safe to drive, walk or swim through it. Avoid it where possible and if you are caught up in fast flowing or deep water call 999 and wait for help.
People can also help to protect vulnerable people, including older people, those with underlying conditions and those who live alone - they may need support with food and medical supplies. Ring NHS 111 if you are concerned for your health or that of someone else.