Danger to life as rare red warning issued ahead of Storm Babet

National weather agencies have issued warnings over strong winds and potential flooding due to Storm Babet.

Here are the key forecasts and warnings across the UK: 

England

Parts of England can expect more than 100mm of rainfall during the week, with some isolated areas facing up to 150mm.

The Met Office said low pressure is forecast to remain in charge of the UK’s weather into the start of next week, with potential for further spells of wet and windy weather.

Ireland

Rain warnings for every county in the Republic of Ireland were in place overnight, having come into effect at various stages on Tuesday.

A Status Orange rain warning is in place along Ireland’s southern coast for counties Cork, Kerry and Waterford.

That warning is due to the risk of flooding, dangerous road conditions and possible wave overtopping at high tide amid heavy rain and strong gusts.

The advisory is due to expire at 1pm, with the Status Yellow rain warning for the rest of the country ending between 6pm-8pm.

Northern Ireland

Storm Babet will first bring heavy rain to Northern Ireland through this afternoon and into Thursday morning.

The Met Office said people in the region can expect spray and flooding which may lead to difficult driving conditions and some road closures for the duration of the yellow warning for rain, which comes into effect at 2pm and expires at 10am on Thursday.

It said “there is a small chance” that homes and businesses could be flooded, causing damage to some buildings. It also warned of a a small chance of fast-flowing or deep floodwater, and communities being cut off by flooded roads.

If flooding occurs, there is a chance of delays or cancellations to train and bus services. The forecasting agency said there is a slight chance of power cuts and loss of other services to some homes and businesses.

Scotland

As the rain moves northwards it will stall across central and eastern parts of Scotland where the rain will become heavy and persistent from Thursday through to Saturday.

There is an Amber Severe Weather Warning for rain for this area where up to 150-200mm of rain could accumulate in some areas of higher ground.

Scotland typically receives around 168mm of rainfall in October but it will receive more than this amount in the span of a few days.