A "danger to life" risk has been confirmed for the upcoming Storm Babet, which could see winds of up to 60mph destroy buildings.
Some "extremely heavy rain" is set to sweep through Britain tomorrow as the Met Office state there will be "flooding and disruption" caused by the storm. Yellow severe weather warnings are in place from Wednesday to Saturday for much of the country. Most of Scotland, as well as eastern Northern Ireland, the North East of England, East Anglia, the East Midlands and Yorkshire are expected to be hit.
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Forecasters are now suggesting communities across the country could be cut off entirely with driving conditions labelled "dangerous", while flooding and fast-flowing water is presenting a "danger to life".
Heavy rain is just hours away for parts of the country, with weather warnings expected to be extended by the Met Office to run until Saturday morning. Almost all of Scotland will see a warning in place until the weekend.
Met Office deputy chief meteorologist Steven Keates said: "Storm Babet will bring impactful rain to many parts of the UK, but especially parts of eastern Scotland, Northern Ireland and northern England later this week.
"Heavy and persistent rain will fall onto already saturated ground bringing a risk of flooding. It is important to stay up to date with warnings from your local flood warning agency as well as the local authorities. As well as heavy rain, Storm Babet will bring some very strong winds and large waves near some eastern coasts too.
"Gusts in excess of 60mph are possible in eastern and northern Scotland from Thursday. It is likely Met Office warnings will be updated through the week." Further weather warnings from the Met are likely to be announced in the coming days.
Officials from the Scottish Environment Protection Agency are now warning people need to be "prepared for potential flooding".
SEPA flood duty manager David Morgan said: "Storm Babet will bring heavy rain and high winds across Scotland from Wednesday evening, starting in the South West before moving across to the North East through Thursday and into the weekend.
"Impacts from surface water and rivers are likely, and with catchments saturated from recent heavy rain and flooding, we're urging people to be prepared for potential flooding. There is also concern that surface water flooding may be exacerbated by debris blocking drainage, culverts, etc. as a result of the high winds."
The Royal National Lifeboat Institute has also warned people to use "extreme caution" when travelling along exposed cliffs, seafronts and piers.
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