US Storm On Way To UK

The UK will be battered by a storm that brought severe blizzards to the US.

16:43 26 January 2016

As the storm that brought near-record snowfall from Washington to New York makes its way to the UK, the Met Office has issued a heavy rain warning to some parts of Wales and England on Tuesday. A flood warning was issued to Cumbria, Lancashire, Yorkshire, Devon and Cornwall.

 

The storm resulted in 29 deaths in the US while airports and some government services were closed.

 

BBC forecaster Steve Cleaton said that the western parts of the UK would be the most affected.

 

20-40mm of rain and up to 60mm has been forecasted in Scotland while north-west England, Wales, Devon and Cornwall are predicted to get between 30 and 50mm.

 

Environment Secretary Elizabeth Truss said that everything is done to prepare for the storm and to protect lives.

 

She said: "We know this will be an especially anxious time for many communities who suffered flooding last month and where the ground is still saturated.”

"I want to assure them that we are taking all possible steps to prepare for the storm.

 

"The military are on standby, temporary defences and pumps are being deployed across the country, and Environment Agency staff are checking and maintaining flood defences, clearing blockages in watercourses and monitoring water levels.

 

"Our priority continues to be protecting lives, protecting homes and protecting businesses."