Brits told to 'get emergency kit ready' as Met Office issues new weather warning

Residents in 15 regions across the UK have been advised to assemble an "emergency" kit as the Met Office issues further weather warnings. Alerts for snow and ice continue to affect vast areas of England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, prompting the national weather service to also issue warnings for rain.

The initial yellow rain warning, which applies to Northern Ireland, is set to take effect from 9 pm today and will remain in place until the same time tomorrow. The Met Office has indicated that people in County Antrim, County Armagh, County Down, County Fermanagh, County Londonderry and County Tyrone are at risk of flooding and power outages.

Forecasts predict around 30mm of rain widely and up to 60mm over higher ground. The Met Office has warned that the thawing of existing snow could exacerbate the potential for flooding in certain areas.

A separate rain warning has been issued for the southern parts of Scotland, affecting Dumfries and Galloway, East Ayrshire, South Ayrshire, and South Lanarkshire from 2am tomorrow until midnight.

Up to 90mm of rain could fall over elevated areas, with a slight risk that communities may become isolated due to flooding.

A third yellow rain warning has been declared in northern Scotland, covering Perth and Kinross, Stirling, Highland, Argyll and Bute, and West Dunbartonshire.

This alert is scheduled to commence at 2am tomorrow and will remain in effect until 10am on Monday.

The Met Office forecasts widespread rainfall of 60mm, with accumulations reaching 110mm across parts of Skye, Lochaber, Argyll and the Trossachs. Additionally, melting snow presents a heightened risk of flooding.

All three warnings urge locals to establish a "flood plan" and prepare an "emergency flood kit".

They state: "Give yourself the best chance of avoiding delays by checking road conditions if driving, or bus and train timetables, amending your travel plans if necessary.

"People cope better with power cuts when they have prepared for them in advance. It's easy to do; consider gathering torches and batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essential items."

David Morgan, SEPA Flood Duty Manager, commented: "As temperatures rise following recent cold conditions, thaw of lying snow from Sunday onwards will increase the risk of flooding.

"Possible impacts could include flooding of low-lying land, roads and individual properties."