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Significant flooding forces evacuations and travel mayhem, leaving many without electricity.
With entire towns under water and thousands without power due to Storm Eowyn and Herminia, Britons are preparing for further destruction. The UK has recently seen rain, hail, and snow due to the storms' wrath, and forecasts warn of more storms to come.
More storminess is expected, according to the Met Office, with meteorologist Jeff Knight highlighting the possibility of storm clusters. He said, "An outlook for increased storminess carries a risk of storm clustering, meaning multiple storms could affect the UK in quick succession, like we have already seen for storms Eowyn and Herminia." This implies that more windy and rainy weather is to be expected, especially in February and March.
Breaking it down, the situation is dire in various parts of Somerset, where more than half of the average rainfall for January fell within just one day, resulting in severe flooding and even the declaration of a major incident. Flood warnings and alerts swept through West Somerset and the wider county as swollen river levels caused road closures.
Heavy downpours led to numerous roads being shut down, including the A38, A361, and several country lanes. Homes across Chard, Ilminster, and South Petherton faced the brunt of these torrential rains, leading to the evacuation of over 100 residents as precautionary measures commenced early on January 27. Rest centers were quickly assembled, supported by volunteers and Somerset Council staff.
On January 26, the Met Office confirmed alarming statistics, noting, "55.9mm of rain fell on Seavington St Michael on Sunday, January 26, when the average for the entire month of January is 100.26mm." Though this month isn't on track to break records for the wettest January, it has undoubtedly proven wetter than average.
By January 28, Somerset Council stood down the major incident declaration, yet the recovery efforts remain significant. Residents affected by flooding were urged to document their damages for insurance claims before commencing cleanup, with practical advice available through the Somerset Council's online resources.
Looking northward to Northern Ireland, up to 50,000 residents experienced blackout on the evening of January 27. Network Rail reported 500 incidents, tackling 120 fallen trees on the tracks and resulting disruptions across the rail network. Travelers dealt with frustrating road conditions, especially near the A3 in New Malden, where stagnant water contributed to heavy congestion.
Despite these challenging conditions, Brits encountered some unexpected moments, like the appearance of magnificent rainbows over east London as residents braved the stormy weather. But the crux of the matter remains the heavy rainfall and associated flooding caused by Storm Herminia, which brought winds of up to 84mph and more than two inches of rain within just a few days.
Looking forward, the coming week is expected to provide little respite, as the Met Office warns of persisting conditions. Heavy rain is expected south of London, with dispersed showers anticipated throughout the entire UK.
Jeff Knight noted, "An increase in westerly winds from the Atlantic is usually associated with more low-pressure systems, and in winter these bring wet, windy and mild conditions to the UK." With heightened storm activity expected, the advisory for residents to stay vigilant and prepared continues.
Travel disruptions remain, including road closures and precautionary notices, and those who have experienced flooding are strongly encouraged to reach out to their local councils for assistance and reporting. Areas such as Northern Ireland and Scotland are expected to face icy conditions soon, with some regions already experiencing winter weather warnings.
Though there may be glimpses of sunshine briefly between storms, the overarching message remains: for now, the UK must prepare for the challenges posed by the relentless weather and the backlog of flood recovery efforts. With collapsed infrastructure and disrupted travel, the focus stays on ensuring safety and adequate resources for those most impacted.
