Parts of Glasgow were inundated today just three days prior to the Cop26 climate conference. The city will host world leaders at the Cop26 conference on climate change.
Floodwater left motorists in the city stranded on roads, with some routes closed. Drivers parked on the central reservation to escape rising water levels. Train lines were subject to speed limits.
Glasgow, the city hosting the event, has also been plagued by overflowing rubbish and gutters clogging with litter since the once-fortnightly garbage collection was pushed back.
The Met Office has warned that parts Scotland could be flooded by floods that will bring down more than a month’s supply of rain. This warning was made by the Met Office in 48 hours.
The ‘danger of life’ amber warning that began yesterday was in effect for South West Scotland up to mid-morning this morning, as well as one in Cumbria and much of Wales until midnight tonight.
Flooding at Byres Road, Glasgow’s West End, last night, just days before Cop26 climate summit starts on Sunday
Some cars were left stranded in the water by severe flooding at a bridge in Glasgow’s Summerston region last night.
After the rainstorm that swept through parts of Scotland, there was flooding in a residential area near Summerston in Glasgow last night.
Flooding in Fulton Street, Temple area of Glasgow, last night as torrential rainfall hits parts of Scotland
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency issued 17 flood warnings and five alerts this morning, while the Environment Agency in England has nine warnings, 19 alerts, Natural Resources Wales has four, and the Environment Agency in England has 19.
Sepa warned: ‘Heavy and persistent rain across southern Scotland overnight into Thursday is likely to lead to river and surface water flooding in eastern Dumfries and Galloway and western Scottish Borders – expect flooding.’
Flooding was possible in Pollok Country Park, south of where the River Clyde runs through central Glasgow. Sepa also reported nearly 24mm (1in) rainfall over 36 hours at Dalmarnock.
Most of the flood warnings were issued in the Borders. The Eskdalemuir Observatory recorded rain of 79mm (3.1in), and two additional warnings in Dumfries, Galloway.
Sefra also issued flood alerts in Edinburgh, Lothian, Ayrshire, and Arran. According to the Met Office, there is a possibility of floodwaters causing death or fast flowing flooding.
The Met Office stated that sustained rain is possible further south during the day. A yellow warning was issued for heavy rain to spread to South East Wales, before clearing to the west by Friday.
There are also yellow weather warnings in place for parts of Yorkshire, County Durham and Northumberland – and Wales also has the same warning for rain across most of the country until tomorrow afternoon.
According to the Met Office there are concerns about travel delays and communities being cut off by the rain. It also warned that power cuts could occur, as well as flooding of homes and businesses.
Aidan McGivern, Met Office meteorologist, said in a forecast video, “These are exceptional rainfall amounts for even the wettest part of Britain, which is Cumbria on an average, as well as for the wettest parts of the year.”
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency has issued 17 flood alerts (in red), and five alerts (5 in amber) today.
The Environment Agency in England has nine flood warnings in place and 19 alerts in effect. Most of these are located in the North West.
Network Rail said it expected “extreme rainfall” and that speed limits would be in effect on some routes, as well as reduced services, between yesterday and tomorrow. This will cause disruption to the West Coast Mainline.
Passengers who are travelling between Glasgow, Edinburgh, or Carlisle are advised to only travel if it is absolutely necessary.
Network Rail Scotland route director Liam Sumpter stated: “Extreme rain can pose a risk to the railway, causing landlips or damaging our infrastructure.
‘The safety and well-being of our passengers and colleagues is our primary concern during bad weather. Therefore, we will slow down trains and operate fewer trains to manage these conditions.
The stream of warm moist, humid air that has moved up from tropics is the reason for the rain that is sweeping the UK. Up to ten inches (250mm) is expected to fall in Cumbria over two days – almost twice as much as in a typical October.
Ben Lukey, Flood Duty Manager at the Environment Agency, stated that a slow-moving band heavy and persistent rain could cause surface water and river flooding, and disruption to travel, to communities throughout Cumbria and parts the north of England, from today (Wednesday), through Friday and Saturday.
“Working with local resilience forum partners, Environment Agency teams have been on the ground clearing out waste screens and waste grilles, and are ready to operate flood defenses if necessary.
They are also available to assist local authorities in their response against surface water flooding. Residents and visitors to the Lake District are asked to be vigilant and monitor their flood risk. You can sign up for free flood warnings via the Gov.uk website or via @EnvAgency Twitter. These updates provide the most current information.
Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service advised residents to be aware of the dangers associated with flooding. ‘Never cross flood water on foot or with a vehicle. The service tweeted that they are available to help anyone in danger.
Yesterday’s heavy rains began in the Lake District, where police launched a search for a 17 year-old boy who disappeared while walking. He was later found safe.
Stewart Mounsey, Cumbria’s flood chief, said that his teams work 24/7 to prepare for any impacts and remove debris from rivers and check flood defenses.
He also advised residents to be aware that there could be flooding in their area, and stated that they are ready to deploy defences ‘if necessary’.
Flooding of fields in Borrowdale, Cumbria near Keswick last night, as parts the Lake District were hit by heavy rain
In most areas, further spells of ‘prolonged, heavy’ rain are possible through the weekend. South East England is expected to experience drier and sunnier conditions.
Cumbria, Scotland, and parts of Scotland will bear the brunt. Other parts of northern England could get a maximum 150mm (6in), with more widespread totals of 30mm (1in) to 60mm (2in) at lower levels and 80mm (3in to 100mm 4in) on the hills.
The wettest areas of Wales could see 160mm (6.2in) of rainfall. More generally, there could also be 100mm (4in), to 120mm (4.8m), on higher ground, and 40mm (1.66in) to 60mm (2.24in) at lower levels.
Today’s temperatures will be mild, despite the heavy rain and clouds. They will reach 18C (64F) in the north and 17C (63/63F in south).
The weekend will be mild with temperatures in the mid-teens Celsius. Contrary to the North, West, and South, the South and East are likely to have dry and brighter weather.
Additional showers are possible in most areas through the weekend, with the best chance for dry weather being limited to South East England.