UK weather: Flood warnings in place as further heavy rain to bring travel disruption to parts of the country
Heavy rain is expected to bring disruption to parts of the UK with some areas facing the risk of flooding.
A Met Office yellow weather warning for “persistent heavy rain” is in place for parts of Wales and South West England until 5pm on Thursday.
People are being warned of disruption to power supplies with the possibility of flooding to some properties.
Communities could become cut off, while deep floodwater is possible alongside warnings of delays on all transport networks.
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A yellow weather warning is in place for rain until 5pm on Thursday for parts of Wales and South West England. Pic: Met Office
The Met Office said “some higher ground areas may see 70-90mm or more” of rain, bringing the risk of flooding.
Across the UK there are 36 flood warnings in place and 122 flood alerts.
Flood warnings are issued for “expected” flooding, while alerts are given for “possible” disruption.
Saturated ground caused by recent wet weather means that even areas which have avoided the worst of recent heavy rain could be at risk of flooding.
People are being urged to “stay away” from “swollen rivers” and not attempt to drive vehicles through floodwater.
Staff from the Environment Agency (EA) have been erecting flood barriers at several of the most at-risk sites.
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Flood defences in Bewdley alongside the River Severn
This has included the Worcestershire town of Bewdley, which has previously experienced flooding from the River Severn.
Mark Garratt, flood duty manager at the Environment Agency, told Sky News the “continued heavy rainfall” in parts of the Midlands and South West England “means that minor localised surface water and river flooding is probable” with the impact “potentially continuing” throughout the week.
He added: “With the ground already saturated, communities in these areas should check their flood risk.
A large number of flood warnings and alerts are in place. Pic: GOV.UK
“The Environment Agency is monitoring flood levels, operating flood gates and barriers at locations across the country, and ensuring debris screens are clear from blockages to ensure communities are better protected.
“We advise people to stay away from swollen rivers and urge people not to drive through floodwater as just 30cm of flowing water is enough to move your car.”
Forecasters have said Thursday should be mostly mild but windy, with the prolonged rain in the south in contrast to showers elsewhere.
Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch has called on Sir Keir Starmer to sack Treasury minister Tulip Siddiq over allegations she lived in properties linked to allies of her aunt, Sheikh Hasina, the deposed prime minister of Bangladesh.
It comes after the current Bangladeshi leader, Muhammad Yunus, said London properties used by Ms Siddiq should be investigated.
He told the Sunday Times the properties should be handed back to his government if they were acquired through “plain robbery”.
Tory leader Ms Badenoch said: “It’s time for Keir Starmer to sack Tulip Siddiq.
“He appointed his personal friend as anti-corruption minister and she is accused herself of corruption.
“Now the government of Bangladesh is raising serious concerns about her links to the regime of Sheikh Hasina.”
Ms Siddiq insists she has “done nothing wrong”.
Her aunt was ousted from office in August following an uprising against her 20-year leadership and fled to India.
Ms Siddiq is also named with her aunt in Bangladesh court documents about meetings with the Russian government.
Tory leader Kemi Badenoch has called on Sir Keir to sack the minister
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As economic secretary to the Treasury, Ms Siddiq is responsible for policy on both the City and tackling corruption.
She referred herself to the prime minister’s ethics watchdog on Monday following the reports about the properties.
On the same day, the prime minister said: “Tulip Siddiq has acted entirely properly by referring herself to the independent adviser, as she’s now done, and that’s why we brought into being the new code.
“It’s to allow ministers to ask the adviser to establish the facts, and yes, I’ve got confidence in her, and that’s the process that will now be happening.”
Police in Aberdeen have widened the search area for two sisters who disappeared four days ago in the city.
Eliza and Henrietta Huszti, both 32, were last seen on CCTV on Market Street after leaving their home on Tuesday at around 2.12am.
The sisters – who are part of a set of triplets and originally from Hungary – crossed the Victoria Bridge to the Torry area and turned right on to a footpath next to the River Dee.
Eliza and Henrietta Huszti were last seen on CCTV in Market Street. Pic: Police Scotland/PA
They headed in the direction of Aberdeen Boat Club but officers said there is no evidence to suggest the missing women left the immediate area.
Specialist search teams, police dogs and a marine unit have been trying to trace the pair.
The sisters crossed Victoria Bridge before walking along a footpath next to the River Dee
The pair were heading in the direction of Aberdeen Boat Club on the south side of the River Dee
Further searches are being carried out towards the Port of Aberdeen’s South Harbour and Duthie Park.
Police Scotland said it is liaising with authorities in Hungary to support the relatives of the two sisters.
Chief Inspector Darren Bruce said: “Eliza and Henrietta’s family are understandably extremely worried about them and we are working tirelessly to find them.
“We are seriously concerned about them and have significant resources dedicated to the inquiry.”
The sisters, from Aberdeen city centre, are described as slim with long brown hair.
Henrietta Huszti. Pic: Police Scotland
Eliza Huszti. Pic: Police Scotland
Officers have requested businesses in and around the South Esplanade and Menzies Road area to review their CCTV footage for the early morning of Tuesday 7 January.
Police added they are keen to hear from anyone with dashcam footage from that time.
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