Heavy rain brings flash flooding chaos as washout dampens England lockdown lift (2024)

Heavy rain brings flash flooding chaos as washout dampens England lockdown lift (1)
  • News

WET WET WET

  • Alice Fuller

BRITAIN will be battered further by rain storms and thunder this week in a seven-day washout, as Brits start to meet inside from today.

Britain faces one of the wettest Mays on record as torrential downpours and thunderstorms wbatter much of the UK this week after many endured a wet Sunday outside the pub.

Knee-deep flash flooding hit Bolton on Sunday night as forecasters warned of more heavy rain and thunderstorms across Britain on the day pubs will finally let drinkers indoors.

More than a month of socialising in the wind and rain came to a blissful end at midnight, aspals can at last meet inside pubsand homes.

By Friday there had been 91 per cent of the expected rainfall for the entire month, with 63.5mm already - so if things stay as wet as have been, May 2021 could beat the record 131.7mm in 1967.

Met Office forecaster Steven Keates said even if the record is not broken, it will be a "notably wet month".

Read our weather live blog below for the latest updates...

  • 11th May 2021, 03:00By Jon Rogers

    FORECAST FOR THE WEEK AHEAD

    Monday:A mix of sunny spells and scattered showers; max 17C.

    Tuesday:A dry start, before showers appear; max 18C.

    Wednesday:More showers, with a max of 18C

    Thursday:Sunny first thing in the morning, but showers develop later in the day - max 18C

    Friday:Max of 19C. The south sees more showers, but it'll be drier by comparison in Scotland.

    Copied

  • 11th May 2021, 02:30By Jon Rogers

    WEATHER UNTIL FRIDAY MAY 14

    The weather until Friday May 14 is predicted to be "unsettled and on the cool side", saysNetweather TV.

    It adds that it should, however, be "milder in the east and south".

    From Monday it'll also be "wet at times, then probably turning finer and warmer by day towards mid-month.

    "Further chilly nights, with slight frost are possible. So gardeners beware."

    It will be wetter and cooler than normal but the weather will "improve later".

    Copied

  • 11th May 2021, 01:46By Jon Rogers

    PERFECT PLACES TO STAYCATION THIS SUMMER

    These stunning photos reveal the UK’s hidden gems and feature locations such as the Lake District, Devon and the Cotswolds.

    A poll of 2,000 Brits has identified the places we’re most eager to visit this summer – with 38 per cent looking forward to exploring new places when they’re allowed.

    The Peak District and Yorkshire are among the top choices for a break – with the Isle of Wight and Snowdonia also sought after for a peaceful holiday.

    For the full list, clickhere.

    Copied

  • 10th May 2021, 23:55By Jon Rogers

    MONDAY SAW SHOWERS FOR MANY

    The wettest place in the UK was the Fair Isle which suffered 13.8mm, according to the Met Office.

    The hottest place in Britain was Cromer which saw the mercury rise to 17.9C.

    The Met Office said in a Twitter post: "After the first frost-free night since March, Monday was a showery day for many. Did you have any thunder and lightning?"

    Copied

  • 10th May 2021, 23:33By Jon Rogers

    BRITAIN TO BE SMASHED BY SEVEN DAYS OF RAIN

    Britain will be smashed by seven days of heavy rain from today with thunderstorms set to batter the UK.

    The Met Office's outlook for Monday to Wednesday says: "Generally unsettled with a mixture of sunny spells and showers, as well as some more prolonged periods of rain.

    "Some heavy bursts likely at times with a risk of thunderstorms."

    Read the full story here.

    Copied

  • 10th May 2021, 23:14By Jon Rogers

    AUSSIES WARNED ABOUT 'UNUSUAL' STORMS

    Residents along large parts of Australia's east coast are being urged to brace for unseasonably dangerous weather today.

    The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) warned severe thunderstorms are likely to slam north-east New South Wales and south-east Queensland with conditions expected to peak today.

    "With those severe thunderstorms, we're forecasting damaging winds, large hail, heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding and there's already some thunderstorms and showers on the radar at the moment," Bureau meteorologist Sarah Scully toldToday.

    Copied

  • 10th May 2021, 21:40By Jon Rogers

    TUESDAY MORNING FORECAST

    It's looking like there will be an east-west split in the weather on Tuesday morning.

    Eastern parts of the country are expected to be dry but western areas could see some rain.

    The Met Office said: "Tuesday morning starts on a dry note in the east with some sunshine but showers will already be falling across western parts, with some longer spells of rain for parts of Scotland."

    Copied

  • 10th May 2021, 20:47By Jon Rogers

    MISERY FOR HAY FEVER SUFFERERS

    Millions of hay fever suffering Brits are set for misery this week as storms and downpours spark a pollen bomb.

    Across the country there will be high levels of tree pollen circulating - especially in the South.

    Over the next few days the UK is set to be hit by rain, with the Met Office reminding people today it's not just warm temperatures that can cause pollen levels to soar.

    The experts said pollen levels can be high even after rain, explaining: "During a thunderstorm¸ high humidity can split pollen grains, releasing a higher density of pollen into the surrounding air.

    "Any rainfall causes a marked decrease in pollen concentration in the air, but the time and amount that it rains during the day is very important.

    "Early, heavy and prolonged rain is likely to keep counts low all day whereas rain in the afternoon will have less of an impact."

    Copied

  • 10th May 2021, 20:17By Jon Rogers

    HEAVY SHOWERS WEDNESDAY AND THURSDAY

    Scattered and persistent showers across Scotland on Wednesday will be locally heavy.

    Bright spells and a few showers elsewhere but rain for parts of southern England later, the Meteo Group forecasts.

    Unsettled on Thursday, with cloudy skies and scattered showers which will merge into longer spells of rain and will be locally heavy.

    Copied

  • 10th May 2021, 19:29By Jon Rogers

    TUESDAY'S FORECAST

    There will be a mostly dry start to Tuesday with some early sunny spells but patchy cloud will build and scattered showers will develop.

    Showers will be most frequent across England and Wales and will be locally heavy and persistent with a risk of thunder and lightning.

    Outbreaks of rain for north-west Scotland, the Meteo Group predicts.

    During the night rain will clear north-west Scotland and daytime showers will continue but will largely ease and weaken during the evening.

    Much of England and Wales will become dry with clear spells, however later on, showers will track northwards across northern areas, some turning heavy.

    Copied

  • 10th May 2021, 19:00By Jon Rogers

    GOOD NEWS FOR GARDENERS

    Keen gardeners have been given some good news for the week ahead as minimum temperatures are due to stay above freezing.

    The Met Office said: "Minimum temperatures overnight should hold up above freezing in towns and cities, with just a grass frost likely at times in rural areas."

    Copied

  • 10th May 2021, 17:57By Jon Rogers

    THUNDERSTORMS STILL AFFECTING PARTS OF UK

    Thunderstorms and heavy showers are still affecting parts of the UK.

    The Met Office said in an update: "Heavy showers and #thunderstorms are still affecting parts of the West Midlands, Northern England, Scotland and the west of Northern Ireland.

    "As the sun lowers in the sky remember to watch out for a rainbow if a shower is close by."

    "

    Copied

  • 10th May 2021, 17:02By Alice Peacock

    KICK UP A STORM

    Britain will be smashed by seven days of heavy rain from today with thunderstorms set to batter the UK.

    Brits yesterdaybasked in a 20C mini-heatwave– but this week will see torrential downpours and possible flooding.

    Weather charts show up to 57mm of rain will fall between Monday and Sunday this week.

    Saturday saw torrential rain and gales across the country as a week’s worth of rain fell in 24 hours in some areas.

    Brecon Beacons in South Wales saw 125 mm of rain as the UK stuttered towards summer.

    Copied

  • 10th May 2021, 16:50By Alice Peacock

    FORECAST FOR YOUR MONDAY EVENING

    Copied

  • 10th May 2021, 16:19By Alice Peacock

    MIXED BAG FOR THE WEEK AHEAD

    A low pressure system is dominating weather in the UK this week.

    However, with mild Atlantic air being pulled across the UK, it won't be as cold as it was last week.

    Heavy, thundery downpours are likely each day, but with some warm, sunny spells at times, too.

    Copied

  • 10th May 2021, 15:45By Alice Peacock

    'MAMMATUS CLOUDS' IN FLEETWOOD

    Copied

  • 10th May 2021, 15:29By Alice Peacock

    WET WEATHER IMPACTS UK RETAIL FOOTFALL

    Footfall across UK retail destinations declined by 4.1% last week from the week prior, according to reports from Retail Sector.

    Activity in high streets dropped to 6.6%, whilst in retail parks and shopping centres footfall declined by just 1.3% and 1.5% amid the rainy conditions.

    The reduction in activity was widespread across the UK, spanning across all areas apart fromNorthern Ireland, where there was a rise in footfall of 21.1% reflecting the impact of the reopening of non-essential retail on Friday 30 April.

    Copied

  • 10th May 2021, 14:47By Hana Carter

    THUNDERSTORMS FOR PARTS OF THE UK

    The latest satellite image shows bright white shower and thunderstorm clouds across the UK, says the Met Office.

    Copied

  • 10th May 2021, 14:14By Hana Carter

    LOW PRESSURE DOMINATES WEATHER THIS WEEK

    Copied

  • 10th May 2021, 13:39By Alice Peacock

    PERFECT PLACES TO STAYCATION THIS SUMMER

    These stunning photos reveal the UK’s hidden gems and feature locations such as the Lake District, Devon and the Cotswolds.

    A poll of 2,000 Brits has identified the places we’re most eager to visit this summer – with 38 per cent looking forward to exploring new places when they’re allowed.

    The Peak District and Yorkshire are among the top choices for a break – with the Isle of Wight and Snowdonia also sought after for a peaceful holiday.

    For the full list, clickhere.v

    Copied

  • 10th May 2021, 13:19By Alice Peacock

    HAVE THE BROLLIES AT THE READY!

    Copied

  • 10th May 2021, 12:52By Alice Peacock

    ‘CRAZY SPRING’

    It’s been a “crazy spring so far,” reportsNetweather TV.

    The website adds in its overview of the season’s weather so far: “At last we have much needed rain for the farmers and growers, in a crazy spring so far.

    “We have seen record high temperatures in March, followed by the coldest April over central England for 32 years.

    “It was also provisionally the driest, most frosty April since 1938 in some localities, due to frequent ‘spring northerlies’.

    “These can persist on and off until around 20th May, before a re-organisation of the pressure systems brings a change to warmer weather.”

    Copied

  • 10th May 2021, 12:28By Alice Peacock

    POLLEN LEVELS CAN BE HIGH EVEN AFTER RAIN

    High humidity during a thunderstorm can split pollen grains, releasing a higher density of pollen into the surrounding air.

    Copied

  • 10th May 2021, 12:17By Alice Peacock

    WETTEST MAY ODDS ON WITH BOOKIES WITH UNSETTLED FORECAST

    After a soaking wet weekend across the UK, leading bookmaker Coral makes this May odds on at 4-5 to be our wettest since records began.

    "Summer feels a distant memory still as the rain continues to fall, and we have had so much this month already that we now make it odds on to be our wettest ever," said Coral's Harry Aitkenhead.

    Coral go 2-1 that this summer goes on to be the warmest on record in the UK.

    "There are hopes that a wet spring will lead into a glorious summer and we go 2-1 that we have our hottest summer ever," added Aitkenhead.

    Copied

  • 10th May 2021, 12:12By Joseph Gamp

    FORECAST FOR THE WEEK AHEAD

    Monday:A mix of sunny spells and scattered showers; max 17C.

    Tuesday:A dry start, before showers appear; max 18C.

    Wednesday:More showers, with a max of 18C

    Thursday:Sunny first thing in the morning, but showers develop later in the day – max 18C

    Friday:Max of 19C. The south sees more showers, but it’ll be drier by comparison in Scotland.

    Copied

Topics

  • Live Blogs
  • Weather - Latest forecast for the UK

NEW STORIES ON THE SUN

YOU MIGHT LIKE

RECOMMENDED FOR YOU

MORE FOR YOU

Heavy rain brings flash flooding chaos as washout dampens England lockdown lift (2024)

FAQs

How does heavy rain cause flash floods? ›

Flash flooding happens when rain falls so fast that the underlying ground cannot cope, or drain it away fast enough. Roads can become like rivers and if there is a lot of water, it can flood buildings and carry cars away.

What is the difference between a flash flood and a heavy rainfall? ›

A flash flood is caused by heavy or excessive rainfall in a short period of time, generally less than six hours. Flash floods are usually characterized by raging torrents after heavy rains that rip through river beds, urban streets, or mountain canyons.

What is a flash flood of heavy rain? ›

Flooding that begins within 6 hours, and often within 3 hours, of the heavy rainfall (or other cause). Flash Floods can be caused by a number of things, but is most often due to extremely heavy rainfall from thunderstorms. Flash Floods can occur due to Dam or Levee Breaks, and/or Mudslides (Debris Flow).

Is flash flooding possible when persistent heavy rains fall? ›

Flash floods occur when heavy rainfall exceeds the ability of the ground to absorb it. They also occur when water fills normally dry creeks or streams or enough water accumulates for streams to overtop their banks, causing rapid rises of water in a short amount of time.

What creates the worst flash flooding? ›

Most flash flooding is caused by slow-moving thunderstorms, thunderstorms repeatedly moving over the same area, or heavy rains from hurricanes and tropical storms. Occasionally, floating debris or ice can accumulate at a natural or man-made obstruction and restrict the flow of water.

What are the worst floods in history? ›

List
Death countEventLocation
422,499–4,000,0001931 China floodsChina
400,000–893,3031938 Yellow River floodChina
145,0001935 Yangtze floodChina
up to 100,000The flood of 1099Netherlands, England
108 more rows

Where do flash floods occur the most? ›

Areas most susceptible to flash flooding are mountainous streams and rivers, urban areas, low-lying area, storm drains, and culverts.

Why is water coming up from the ground after heavy rain? ›

Water may leak into your basement after heavy rain due to various factors, including clogged gutters and downspouts, hydrostatic pressure, clay-heavy soils that expand when they get wet, or frost-heaving and foundation cracks.

Can flash floods happen without rain? ›

Flash floods can happen at any time after heavy rainfall and quickly, even if it is not raining yet in your location. Flash flood conditions in desert landscapes may happen when heavy rainfall is not soaked into the desert sands.

Where in the US are floods most common? ›

Florida is the most flood prone state due to its low elevation, extensive coastline, and frequent tropical storms and hurricanes. Heavy rainfall and storm surges frequently overwhelm drainage systems, leading to widespread flooding.

What is a sudden heavy rain called? ›

A downpour is a rainstorm, especially a very heavy one. If you get caught unexpectedly in a downpour, you'll wish you brought an umbrella. A downpour is exactly what it sounds like: torrential, pouring rain.

What are some signs that a flash flood is about to happen? ›

Common warning signs include intense rainfall, dam or levee failure as well as other events such as slow moving tropical storms and early snow melt can all contribute to flooding, whether you live in a flood zone or not.

How long can a flash flood last? ›

Definitions of Flood and Flash Flood

Ponding of water at or near the point where the rain fell. Flooding is a longer term event than flash flooding: it may last days or weeks. Flash flood: A flood caused by heavy or excessive rainfall in a short period of time, generally less than 6 hours.

Are flash floods serious? ›

Flash floods don't just happen quickly, they can also move quickly. It's these fast-moving currents of water that pose great danger to people and property. There's a lot of power in moving water. Flash floods can easily move at 9 feet per second, and that flow is strong enough to move a 100-lb rock.

Does global warming cause flash floods? ›

The risk of flooding is constantly increasing due to climate change: rising sea levels, wildfires, changing precipitation patterns and more. Flood insurance helps you financially protect your home and its contents against the real and rising risk of flooding.

Can heavy rain cause floods? ›

Flooding typically occurs when prolonged rain falls over several days, when intense rain falls over a short period of time, or when an ice or debris jam causes a river or stream to overflow onto the surrounding area. Flooding can also result from the failure of a water control structure, such as a levee or dam.

What is a sudden flood of water caused by heavy rain? ›

A flash flood is a rapid flooding of low-lying areas: washes, rivers, dry lakes and depressions. It may be caused by heavy rain associated with a severe thunderstorm, hurricane, or tropical storm, or by meltwater from ice or snow flowing over ice sheets or snowfields.

What are the effects of heavy rainfall? ›

Heavy rainfall can lead to numerous hazards, for example: flooding, including risk to human life, damage to buildings and infrastructure, and loss of crops and livestock. landslides, which can threaten human life, disrupt transport and communications, and cause damage to buildings and infrastructure.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Greg Kuvalis

Last Updated:

Views: 6132

Rating: 4.4 / 5 (75 voted)

Reviews: 90% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Greg Kuvalis

Birthday: 1996-12-20

Address: 53157 Trantow Inlet, Townemouth, FL 92564-0267

Phone: +68218650356656

Job: IT Representative

Hobby: Knitting, Amateur radio, Skiing, Running, Mountain biking, Slacklining, Electronics

Introduction: My name is Greg Kuvalis, I am a witty, spotless, beautiful, charming, delightful, thankful, beautiful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.