23 September 2024
The AA is advising drivers to take extra care on Monday as the Met office has issued an amber weather warning for heavy rain expected to affect large parts of the country on Monday which could effect the morning and afternoon rush hours. This follows on from the heavy rain and thunderstorms experienced by many this weekend.
The amber warning, the second highest, covers areas of the South West; West Midlands, East Midlands, London and the South East, Yorkshire and the Humber, and the East of England. It will be in force between 0500 and 2100 on Monday.
Not all counties within the warning area will be equally affected, but it seems likely that some areas will see 60-80 mm and a few places may receive 100-120mm or more.
Chris Wood, AA Patrol of the Year, said: “If you do need to travel be aware driving conditions can quickly deteriorate during very heavy rainfall, with drains becoming swamped or blocked and standing water causing problems such as surface spray, reduced visibility and potentially leading to flooding.
“Reduce speed and leave more space between yourself and other vehicles.
“Check the travel news before you set off and take particular care where roads dip, for example under railway bridges, which are more likely to flood. If the road ahead is flooded, don’t chance it – flood water can be deceptively deep so turn around and find another route.
“If you need assistance it’s quicker to report an incident to us via our app or online than it is to call, although we are always ready to help you whichever way. And, please remember that it could take longer to reach you in these conditions.”
How to drive through floodwater and heavy rain | The AA
UK weather warnings - Met Office
Areas of the country affected by the warning:
East Midlands - Derby; Derbyshire; Leicester; Leicestershire; Lincolnshire; Northamptonshire; Nottingham; Nottinghamshire; Rutland
East of England - Cambridgeshire; Peterborough
London & South East England - Oxfordshire
South West England - Gloucestershire
West Midlands - Herefordshire; Shropshire; Staffordshire; Stoke-on-Trent; Telford and Wrekin; Warwickshire; West Midlands Conurbation; Worcestershire
Yorkshire & Humber - East Riding of Yorkshire; Kingston upon Hull; North East Lincolnshire; North Lincolnshire; South Yorkshire