Met Office urges households in 16 UK cities to buy batteries before Thursday
As rainy weather continues to impact parts of the UK, the Met Office has issued a yellow warning for the areas of south England and Wales. This Thursday, residents in multiple locations should expect heavy rainfall and the risk of surface weather flooding, according to the meteorological service. This might result in the flooding of a few homes and businesses, as well as disrupted bus and train services. As water and electricity are a lethal combination, local supply might be cut in order to prevent electrical fires and shocks. Households are therefore urged to make sure that they have enough batteries for some of their devices as advised by the Met Office.Cities that might be at risk include Brighton, Portsmouth, Southampton, Winchester, Salisbury, Bath, Wells, Bristol, Gloucester, Worcester, Hereford, Cardiff, Swansea, Exeter, Plymouth and Truro.The Met Office forecast reads: "A deepening area of low pressure will migrate northeastwards across England and Wales on Thursday. Whilst the exact track is uncertain, rain will become persistent and heavy through the day, before clearing to the north through the evening and night. Accumulations of 20-40 mm are expected fairly widely, in some places falling in just a few hours, with the potential for 40-70 mm in a few isolated spots, this most likely across parts of the southwest England. Given the saturated ground, this may lead to some surface water flooding."A yellow warning has a medium likelihood and a low impact. However, residents should check if their property could be at risk of flooding. If so, consider preparing a flood plan and an emergency flood kit.To avoid delays, check road conditions, or bus and train timetables as often as possible. For power cuts, it is recommended to gather torches and batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essential items. It is also important to stay prepared for weather updates from the Met Office.The Met Office website reads: "Think about putting together an emergency flood kit with essential items that will help you cope in a flood, including:Insurance documents and list of contact numbersTorch & spare batteriesFirst aid kit and any prescription medicinesWarm waterproof clothes and blanketsBottled water and snacksBattery or wind-up radioSupplies for looking after your baby or pet"Make sure that everyone knows where to find this kit and what to do if flooding happens."London & South East EnglandBrighton and HoveEast SussexHampshireIsle of WightOxfordshirePortsmouthSouthamptonSurreyWest BerkshireWest SussexSouth West EnglandBath and North East SomersetBournemouth Christchurch and PooleBristolCornwallDevonDorsetGloucestershireNorth SomersetPlymouthSomersetSouth GloucestershireSwindonTorbayWiltshireWalesBlaenau GwentBridgendCaerphillyCardiffMerthyr TydfilMonmouthshireNeath Port TalbotNewportPowysRhondda Cynon TafSwanseaTorfaenVale of GlamorganWest MidlandsHerefordshireWorcestershireSource: Met Office. Warning issued 10:29 (UTC) on January 13.
