Further storms predicted into new year as UK clean-up operation continues

The Met Office has issued further weather warnings, anticipating more heavy rain and wind on Monday, as residents and authorities across the south of England continue their efforts to clean up after the storm that hit over Christmas.

Some have been left without power for five days, and were offered “Christmas meals” by UK Power Network, which operates the grid in the area.

UK Power Network also announced on Saturday that it would be tripling compensation payouts for some customers left without power.

The Met Office warned, “Further rain is expected later on Sunday, becoming heavy overnight and on Monday morning.”

The statement said that in some areas, rainfall accumulations of 20-30mm were expected, with 50-60mm on high ground. Although this represents a relatively small amount of rainfall, some say that this will be aggravated by already saturated ground. The worst is expected to arrive on Monday.

David Cameron tweeted saying, “I’ve asked the Dept for Communities & Local Govt to ensure councils have robust plans in case of bad weather and flooding over New Year.”

Residents across some parts of the south reacted angrily as the prime minister visited Yalding in Kent, saying that they were given very little warning of the storm that battered the region over the festive period. Cameron was also accused as using the visit as a publicity stunt.

One resident told the Guardian, “The people he is talking to, the Environment Agency and so on, they weren’t here. I swam this road on Christmas Day, pulling people out on my own. There was no one here on Christmas Day or Boxing Day. A lot of families have lost a lot.”

Further reading:

Power companies to triple compensation payouts after storms

Storms return to bring flooding and power cuts to the UK

Storms batter UK, disrupting Christmas Eve travel plans

Heavy rain and gales set to disrupt Christmas travel plans

Environment Agency: three million homes in England at risk of flash floods