Storm Conall Approaches UK with Potential Flooding Concerns
A new storm named Conall is forecast to bring heavy rainfall to southern England, potentially causing further challenges for areas still recovering from the recent Storm Bert. The Met Office has issued yellow weather warnings for rainfall in several southern regions of the UK, effective from 22:00 GMT on Tuesday until midday on Wednesday.
BBC Weather’s Tomasz Schafernaker explained that while Conall is still developing, the worst of the storm is expected to miss the UK. The rainfall is anticipated to be initially heavy before moving eastward throughout the night. The heaviest precipitation is predicted for the south coast of England and the far southeast, with forecasts ranging from 15-20mm and potentially reaching 30-40mm of rain.
Of particular concern are the flood-hit areas from Storm Bert, which remain sensitive to additional rainfall. Even a relatively small amount of rain, typically 5-15mm, could potentially cause further issues for these already-impacted communities.
The storm’s progression is expected to continue on Wednesday, with wet conditions likely to affect Lincolnshire, the Peak District, and the Midlands. Coastal areas of Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, and Kent may experience near gale-force winds. In contrast, northern regions like Scotland and the Lake District are expected to see frost.
The recent Storm Bert had significant impacts, resulting in at least five deaths and causing major disruptions to homes, roads, and rail networks. Many communities are still in the process of cleaning up after extensive flooding.
Conall is the third named storm of the current season, following Ashley and Bert. The naming of storms is a collaborative effort between the Dutch Weather Service, the Met Office, and Met Eireann in Ireland, aimed at improving communication about severe weather events.
The storms list, which was first introduced in 2015, typically runs from early September to late August of the following year, aligning with the beginning of autumn. This system helps track and communicate about significant weather systems throughout the storm season.
While the immediate forecast suggests that Conall will not be as severe as Storm Bert, meteorologists and local authorities are advising residents in potentially affected areas to stay informed and take necessary precautions. The ongoing wet and windy conditions continue to pose challenges for many communities across the UK.
Residents in southern England and other potentially affected regions are encouraged to monitor local weather updates and follow guidance from local emergency services to ensure their safety during this period of unsettled weather.
