Storm Babet, pronounced Bah-beht, has already reached the UK, bringing with it some awful weather. Today, the rain will be focused mostly on eastern Scotland with some wet and windy weather in store for northern and eastern England. Later on, persistent rain will continue in Scotland, where the land is already saturated from previous bad weather, and there will be a risk of flooding.
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Indeed, the Met Office has now issued a rare red weather warning as the storm is expected to bring ‘exceptional rainfall and impactful wind’. So, just how long will this terrible weather last? Let’s get into it.
The Met Office’s red weather warning
The Met Office has issued a rare red weather warning as it expects the weather to be very severe. Jason Kelly, Met Office Chief Meteorologist, said:
Confidence has increased in the chances of considerable impacts from rainfall in parts of the east of Scotland from Storm Babet, which has resulted in the escalation to the Red warning.
How long will it last?
This warning covers the east of Scotland, encompassing Brechin, Forfar and Kirriemuir. It is set to come into force from 6pm today, Thursday 20 October, and last until midday on Friday.
The rest of the UK will also see bad weather, though it won't be as extreme. Some amber and yellow warnings have been issued in northern England and all down Britain's east coast. London and the surrounding area are also expected to see some heavy rain.
Unfortunately, the forecast is for low pressure to continue into next week, with more potential for wet and windy weather.
What does a red weather warning mean?
Firstly, it’s important to note that such a severe warning is rare in the UK. Storm Dennis of February 2020 marks the last time a red warning was issued.
This warning highlights that there could be a ‘danger to life from fast flowing or deep floodwater’, ‘extensive flooding’ to homes and businesses, road closures and transport delays, power shortages, and a risk of communities being cut off by high rainwater.
People in the affected areas are being told to avoid travel if they can and stay updated with the latest forecast.
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Sources used:
The Sun: Red warning issued for Storm Babet
BBC: Storm Babet: When and where will it hit?
