Storm Lilian sparking Bank Holiday washout for millions - full list of UK areas to be hit
The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for much of the south east of England with some parts of the UK could see between 50mm and 70mm of rain
Brits are buckling up as Storm Lilian threatens to unleash a tempest of thunderstorms, torrential downpours, and ferocious gusts this weekend - with several areas on high alert.
After basking recently in balmy sunshine and soaring temperatures, the country is now bracing itself for a spell of tumultuous weather, having already faced relentless rain and howling winds.
With no respite in sight, forecasts predict up to 70mm of rain pounding some regions today, as the Met Office flags a yellow warning across much of southeast England, which were effective from 6am until 1pm today, spanning areas from Portsmouth in Hampshire to Ipswich in Suffolk.
Travel chaos is looming on the horizon with Storm Lilian barrelling in, potentially resulting in the busiest August Bank Holiday on the tarmac in years. The RAC has forecast an extraordinary 19.2 million leisurely drives over this period, pointing to a record-breaking Friday with 3.2 million trips the highest since records commenced in 2015.
Met Office's meteorologist Liam Eslick said: "With that yellow warning, expect some small travel disruption. I know it's the start of the Bank Holiday so people may be out and about trying to get to their holiday destinations.
We do say take care when driving on roads, stick to the main roads where you can because more local tracks could see some surface water. So do take care when travelling around through Saturday morning."
The following areas are covered by the Met Office's yellow warning:
East of England
- Essex
- Southend-on-Sea
- Suffolk
- Thurrock
London and South East England
Brighton and Hove
East Sussex
Greater London
Hampshire
Isle of Wight
Kent
Medway
Portsmouth
Surrey
West Sussex
The heaviest rain is expected to ease off by mid-afternoon today. However, persistent showers will continue to affect central and southeast England, as well as western Scotland.
A wind warning was in effect until 11am on Friday across northern England and North Wales due to Storm Lilian, which has already caused widespread travel chaos, including delays and cancellations of flights.
UK weather: Heavy rain and strong winds forecast by Met Office
Forecaster Mr Eslick reassures that "winds aren't expected to be too much of an issue on Saturday though," adding: "It's mainly going to be the rain. Winds will be pretty light in the south of England, though you may get the odd gust around the very far South East through the English Channel. But mainland is going to be pretty light."
As Sunday approaches, the weather is set to improve slightly with some showers predicted in the east, Northern England, and southern Scotland.
Winds will pick up again, leading to a blustery day across much of the UK, although not as severe as Friday's conditions.
Looking forward to the Bank Holiday Monday, Mr Eslick optimistically notes: "Monday looks like the best of the days. There will be more in the way of some sunshine and winds are expected to ease. It will be a lot calmer coming into the Bank Holiday Monday and it will be nice to have that extra day this weekend to enjoy."
