Storm Jonas Is Coming To The UK With A Severe Weather Warning In Place

Lucy Bloxham • 26 January, 2016

Heavy rain and gale force winds are expected to hit to UK with the arrival of the storm that brought tumultuous blizzards to the US. Although conditions will have drastically dissipated by the time they reach British shores, Storm Jonas is to be bringing with it heavy rain rather than snow, resulting in urgent flood warnings being issued. 4 inches (100mm) of rain is expected to fall in parts of Wales and England. The government has said that the military is on standby and defences are in place.

Weather warning for rain issued – Tuesday and Wednesday. See the latest here https://t.co/sfBsQ4IoSM pic.twitter.com/WksgwWgYHp

— Met Office (@metoffice) January 23, 2016

The storm brought near-record snow fall from Washington to New York in the US. At least 29 deaths have been reported in the US since Friday, while airports and some government services were closed.

storm-jonas-weathe_3557621k — [Telegraph]

Liz Truss, the Environment Secretary, yesterday chaired a meeting of the Government’s emergency committee and warned that the rain will fall on “unsaturated ground”. Up to 60mm of rain is forecast in Scotland, while north-west England, Wales, Devon and Cornwall are predicted to get between 30 and 50mm, with up to 100mm in exposed uplands. Winds of 70mph are likely along south-facing coasts of south-west Scotland, with large gusts also expected on Tuesday. The heaviest rain and strongest winds are expected in two bouts – one late morning and afternoon on Tuesday, and another Tuesday night into Wednesday.

Truss also stated that it is “our priority continues to be protecting lives, protecting homes and protecting businesses.” Clare Dinnis, the Environment Agency’s national flood duty manager, also urged people to take care near coastal paths and promenades, and not to drive through flood-water.

BE CAREFUL, folks!

Featured Image Credit: IbiTimes

Tags: news, weather, winter