
Two weeks’ worth of rain is set to fall in 24 hours with 365 flood warnings issued in the UK, where train companies predicted huge delays this weekend.
Mail Online reports Surrey was hit by a tornado “as more downpours and heavy rain are expected today and into the rest of the weekend, with widespread flooding continuing to cause travel chaos in the lead up to Christmas”.
“There are 105 flood warnings and 260 flood alerts across the country and 20 to 30 mm of rain is expected.
“Residents in Chertsey and Shepperton in Surrey have shared videos of a tornado passing through the area damaging property and downing trees, with the Met Office confirming it happened this morning at around 10.30am.
“It is also forecast that two weeks’ worth of rain will fall in the next 24 hours, causing even more flooding on saturated ground.
“Southern England will see the worst of the wet conditions today and overnight and in Wales there will be very heavy downpours, with 4-5 mm expected to fall within just one hour.
“The River Rother, meanwhile, burst its banks in another part of the county, blocking roads.
“There were also delays due to flooding on the A12 in Essex and the A20 in West Kingsdown, Kent.
“Motorists had to be rescued from their cars by firemen after becoming marooned at Leigh, near Tonbridge, and Maidstone, both in Kent. Cars were also seen submerged near Billericay, Essex.
“Up to an inch more rain could fall, risking further flooding. Bonnie Diamond, of the Met Office, said that away from the South, the rest of England and Wales was set to experience a mixture of sunshine and showers.”
Forecasters say Britain is facing a Christmas Day freeze “as mild and stormy conditions give way to Arctic temperatures and possible snow”, as “a cold northerly blast will roar in during the middle of next week with frost and foggy conditions expected on the big day”.
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Top Feature Photo: Little Venice Country Park & Marina in Yalding severely flooded – Image: Grant Falvey, LNP