Britons have been cautioned to prepare for severe weather conditions that could persist for up to 12 hours. The Met Office has issued warnings for potential major flooding, power outages, and travel disruptions in three specific regions. Residents are advised to assemble an emergency kit to ensure readiness for adverse circumstances.
As per meteorological forecasts, extensive rainfall is anticipated across all of Northern Ireland from Saturday night into the following day, with a yellow weather warning in effect from midnight until midday. The areas most at risk include County Antrim, County Armagh, and County Down.
The anticipated heavy rainfall is expected to gradually clear eastward on Sunday morning, with the southeastern region likely to bear the brunt of 20-30 mm accumulation, reaching up to 60-100 mm over the Mournes, primarily during the early hours of Sunday.
To mitigate travel disruptions caused by potential flooding, the Met Office advises allowing extra travel time and checking for flood risks to properties. Individuals are encouraged to prepare flood plans and emergency kits, check road conditions, and stay updated on weather forecasts to adapt travel plans accordingly.
Looking ahead, while certain regions may experience brighter spells, overall weather conditions are predicted to remain cloudy with intermittent breaks on Saturday, potentially transitioning to a damp start on Sunday with widespread rainfall and increased winds. The upcoming week is expected to introduce more rain and blustery showers on Monday, with temperatures remaining within normal ranges.
Moreover, the extended forecast from October 22 to October 31 indicates an unsettled weather pattern prevailing across the UK, with heavy rain and strong winds anticipated to move from the southwest as a deep low-pressure system traverses the country. Subsequently, the following weekend is foreseen to be showery and cooler as the system drifts away.