Thawing and flooding - Update 2
There is clearly a considerable volume of water locked up in the
extensive snow cover which, in many cases, is overlying frozen
ground and has the potential to contribute to flooding. The pattern
of thaw will depend very much on the weather at the end of the
present cold spell.
Thursday (14th January) will see a continuation of the low
temperatures and further light rain or snow, and therefore the
flood risk during the next 12 - 24 hours remains low.
Current indications from the Met Office are that during Friday
and Saturday temperatures will rise and hence the snow will melt at
a faster rate than seen over recent days. In some areas,
particularly in the South and West of the country, the thaw will be
accompanied by a spell of heavy rainfall (with snow on high
ground). This has the potential to cause localised flooding which
may be exacerbated by frozen ground and residual ice blocking the
free drainage of surface water. However, at this stage there is no
indication of widespread flooding as river and reservoir levels
currently remain generally low throughout the country.
SEPA monitors rainfall and river levels around the clock, using
this information to update the Floodline service with flood alerts
as appropriate. This information can be accessed through SEPA’s
website at www.sepa.org.uk and also via 0845 988 1188. SEPA
encourages anyone concerned about the possibility of flooding to
use these sources of information and ensure they are prepared and
have plans in place should there be any issues.
Ends