Police Issue Bad Weather Roads Alert

Motorists are being warned to stay on the alert as torrential rains and high winds threaten Ulster.

Amidst reports that heavy rain is continuing to sweep across parts of England and Wales, bringing a risk of flooding, the Met Office has warned that the heavy rain could lead to flooding in some places and cause disruption to transport.

It said there was a 40% chance of disruption in all parts of the Province.

Police have therefore warned motorists to adjust their driving to suit the prevailing conditions.

Already, in Great Britain, more than 20 flood warnings have been issued by the Environment Agency and nearly 120 flood watches are in place as the severe weather continues.

Flood warnings have been put in place along the River Severn between Worcester and Tewkesbury and from Tewkesbury to upstream Gloucester.

The flood warnings have remained in place since Friday, when roads and railways were brought to a standstill by flash flooding.

Severe gales have been forecast for much of west and southeast England, with flash floods also predicted in some areas of both England and Wales.

As much as 40mm of rain is predicted in some areas, with gale-force winds of up to 70mph also expected on the south coast.

Severe weather warnings are predicting heavy and persistent rain would sweep in from the west, with up to 25mm likely in places.

In Northern Ireland, conditions are also to be bad: "Poor light, wet roads and bad weather make driving more difficult and drivers must drive according to the road conditions if they are to stay safe," a PSNI spokesman said.

"Cross winds and standing water, which can be hard to see at times, can affect how a vehicle behaves on the road and make it much more difficult to control, particularly high sided vehicles or those towing a trailer.

"Fallen trees are another hazard that motorists may have to contend with, particularly on rural roads, and drivers should reduce their speed and be able to stop in the distance that they can see to be clear."

(BMcC)