Flood warnings were issued in many parts of Britain as heavy rain and blustery winds kicked off a weekend washout. The Met Office had 98 flood warnings and 169 alerts in place in England on Saturday morning, adding that people should expect “an unsettled day ahead” as rain pushed eastwards.
While brighter but colder spells were set to follow, the forecaster warned of heavy showers with some snow in the north. People in Northern Ireland and southern Scotland were told to brace themselves for the strongest winds.
Flood defences, including boarding, were deployed in York city centre. City of York Council said it had taken the measure to keep the area “safe and open” as it urged visitors to plan their journeys in advance.
Rescue workers were seen using a boat to navigate the floodwater in the city centre after the River Ouse overflowed its banks.
The Met Office issued a yellow warning for wind and rain, running until early on Sunday, across south-western parts of Scotland and the far north of Northern Ireland as gusts of up to 70mph could hit the coastline.
The forecaster said: “Westerly winds will increase across western Scotland and northern parts of Northern Ireland later this afternoon and evening with gusts of 45-55 mph inland and 60-70 mph around the coast, easing later this evening.
“A band of persistent and occasionally heavy rain will extend south across warning area during this period, and combined with saturated ground may lead to some flooding.”
A yellow warning for ice covering much of Scotland and the north-west and north-east of England suggests there could be “icy surfaces and high-ground snow leading to some difficult travelling conditions in places on Saturday night and Sunday morning”, the Met Office added.
Expected “frequent wintry” snow showers have also seen the Met Office issue a yellow warning for snow and ice for northern Scotland from Sunday through to Wednesday.
The Met Office said: “A few centimetres of snow are likely at low levels over a given 24-hour period, with the potential for 10-15cm above 200 metres, especially across parts of the Highlands. Ice will be additional hazard, especially Tuesday night.”
Residents are urged to take care as there may be some icy patches on some untreated roads, pavements and cycle paths and some roads and railways are likely to be affected with longer journey times by road, bus and train services.
Road closures
Inrix, the live traffic and travel information service, advised that the following road as of 5 o'clock this morning (Saturday, Jan 15) were closed due to flooding.
A358 in both directions impassable due to flooding from Church Street (Donyatt) to Watery Lane (Peasmarsh).
A361 New Road in both directions closed due to flooding between Cuts Road (East Lyng) and Stathe Road (Burrowbridge). Flood gates have been closed.
A431 Bath Road in both directions closed due to flooding between North Stoke turn off and The Swan Inn. Affecting traffic between Bristol and Bath.
A438 in both directions closed due to flooding from Kinnersley turn off (Letton) to A4111 (Willersley).
A488 (Welsh Bridge) in both directions closed due to flooding between Victoria Avenue and Raven Meadows.
A70 in both directions closed due to flooding between Ochiltree and Cumnock.
A735 Queens Drive in both directions closed due to flooding from Victoria East Road to B7072 Hurlford Road.
A759 in both directions closed due to flooding from Dundonald to Gatehead.
A77 Northbound closed due to flooding from B7038 to A71 (Bellfield Interchange). Diversion - via Ayr Road and the B7072 Hurlford Rd.
A1101 Wash Road in both directions closed due to flooding between Hundred Foot Bank and Bedford Bank West. Local businesses confirm the road remains closed. Some drivers are going through despite the closure.
A4113 in both directions closed due to flooding from B4530 (Walford) to Roman Road ( Leintwardine ). The A4110 is also closed before Adforton.
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