24-hour rain warning out for Wiltshire ahead of Christmas
We're being told to expect downpours through Wednesday and into Christmas Eve
Wiltshire and Hampshire are set to be hit with heavy showers and strong winds ahead of Christmas Day.
The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for the whole of southern England and south Wales.
The 'be aware' alert runs from 6.00am on Wednesday (23rd December) until 6.00am on Thursday - Christmas Eve.
Forecasters are warning that most areas could see between 20-40 millimetres of rain in that time - potentially rising as high as 70 millimetres in the worst hit areas.
WHAT CAN WE EXPECT?
- There is a small chance that homes and businesses could be flooded, causing damage to some buildings
- There is a small chance of fast flowing or deep floodwater causing hazardous conditions
- Where flooding occurs, there is a slight chance of delays or cancellations to train and bus services
- Spray and flooding could lead to difficult driving conditions and some road closures
- There is a small chance that some communities become cut off by flooded roads
WHAT IS THE MET OFFICE SAYING?
"Spells of heavy rain are expected across southern England and parts of south Wales during Wednesday and into early Thursday.
"The heaviest rain is likely to develop during Wednesday evening and continue overnight before clearing away to the southeast by Thursday morning.
"Much of the area is likely to see 20-40 mm through this period.
"There is still some uncertainty in exactly where the heaviest rain will fall but there is the potential for some places to see as much as 50-70 mm of rain.
"The heavy rain will be accompanied by strong north to northeasterly winds during Wednesday evening and overnight."
WILTSHIRE FORECAST
Monday night: Chance of some showers throughout the night but remaining overcast otherwise. Winds easing in the early hours of tomorrow. Minimum temperature 11 °C.
Tuesday: Cloudy and damp, with patchy rain probably persisting in places much of the day. Staying very mild throughout, with light winds and extensive low cloud. Maximum temperature 14 °C.
Outlook for Wednesday to Friday: Remaining mild but rather wet and windy on Wednesday. Gradually becoming brighter but markedly colder through Christmas Eve. Cold but mainly fine Christmas Day, probably becoming cloudier and breezier later.