Perilous
Times and Climate Change
Flood warnings issued in Britain
Tom Lawrence and Lauren Turner
January 16, 2011 - 4:34PM
PAA
Householders were bracing themselves on Sunday after heavy
rainfall in northern England and Wales caused surging river levels
to teeter near bursting point.
Temporary flood defences were put up following prolonged deluges
on Saturday that prompted the Environment Agency to issue 28 flood
warnings in the worst hit communities.
Forecasters have predicted more rain in northern regions on
Sunday, adding to fears that some rivers could breach their banks.
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A number of flood warnings are in place in Cumbria, with low-lying
areas along the River Eden including Appleby and Carlisle at risk.
Parts of Yorkshire and Northumberland have also been issued with
warnings, including Masham, Ilkley, Wetherby and Falstone.
According to the Environment Agency, a flood warning means
flooding is expected and that immediate reaction is required.
The rain is set to continue on Sunday, with showers expected to
fall on already sodden ground in northern England and Wales.
Lindsay Dovey, a forecaster with MeteoGroup, the weather division
of the Press Association, said: "Today a band of rain will move
across Wales and north west England which will move south east
throughout the day.
"There will be heavy bursts in it which will add to the high
levels which have already fallen. Scotland will also experience
heavy rainfall of up to 10mm per hour this morning, which will
break up throughout the day."
In Shap, Cumbria, 110mm of rain was recorded on Saturday along
with wind gusts of 69mph.
Temporary flood defences were put up in Appleby on the River Eden
following the deluges, but Environment Agency officials said some
properties, roads and land were still at risk.
Staff also removed debris from rivers in a bid to prevent
blockages that could cause flooding and ensure the affected areas
were "as prepared as possible" against floods.
People in the worst-hit regions have been urged to check the
Environment Agency website for the latest flood situations and
sign-up for free flood warnings.
"Those living in Appleby, Kendal, Burnside and Keswick should tune
in to their local radio stations, ensure important documents are
in a safe place and check their flood plans," added the
Environment Agency spokesman on Saturday night.
Flood warnings are also in place in North Wales which recorded the
highest rainfall of Saturday - 114mm in Capel Curig, Conwy.
North Wales Fire Service said it attended three "minor" floods at
properties near Betws-y-Coed, in the Conwy Valley, Snowdonia, on
Saturday, but was not aware of any incidents overnight.
A spokeswoman for Cumbria Fire Service also said there had not
been any major flooding incidents overnight.
Forecasters predict the rain should clear away to the south east
on Monday before it becomes colder, with maximum temperatures
reaching 10C.