24-hour rain warning out for Surrey and East Hampshire ahead of Christmas
We're being told to expect downpours through Wednesday and into Christmas Eve
Last updated 2nd Jan 2021
Surrey and East Hampshire is 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 two counties, along with all of London, southern England and South Wales.
The 'be aware' alert runs from 6am on Wednesday (23 Dec) until 6am 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 are 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."
What's in the forecast for Surrey and East Hampshire?
Wednesday: Cloudy with outbreaks of rain, heavy at times, especially during the morning. Some drier and brighter interludes into the afternoon, with a few showers. Very mild. Maximum temperature 13 °C.
Outlook for Thursday to Saturday: Early cloud and rain clearing to sunny spells and coastal showers Thursday. Feeling colder in a strong northerly wind. Largely dry and bright Friday. Turning wet and windy on Saturday.