UK weather: Amber warnings for heavy rain and flooding issued

Much of the UK could be hit by travel disruption and flooding on Wednesday and Thursday with several weather warnings issued by the Met Office.

An amber warning for rain is in place for parts of north Wales and north-west England, including Liverpool and Manchester, for 24 hours from noon on Wednesday.

The Met Office says flooding and disruption are likely in these areas, with rain becoming heavy and persistent.

Yellow rain warnings are also in place for southern Scotland, the north of England, the Midlands and mid-Wales.

A further yellow warning for thunderstorms has been added for much of the south coast of England from 8am to 7pm on Wednesday.

Areas under yellow warnings may see “some” flooding and disruption, compared to amber warning areas where it is “likely”, according to the Met Office.

Met Office meteorologist Alex Burkill said the UK will see a “pretty wet picture” over the rest of the week.

“There is some uncertainty as to exactly where we are going to see the heaviest rain and where is most likely to be impacted,” he added.

Many places could see 30-40mm of rain, while a few areas may receive 60-80mm as heavy rain moves northwards throughout Wednesday, the Met Office says.