Home
Weather Dublin
WeatherRadar
RainfallRadar
TemperatureRadar
WindRadar
LightningRadar
Weather News
Editor's Pick
Discover the app
Weather widget
Contact us
Apps
    Home / Editor's Pick /

    Major incident declared: Flood warnings as heavy rain returns

15:00
4 January 2024

Major incident declared
Flood warnings as heavy rain returns

Abbey surrounded by flooded fields
Tewkesbury Abbey on Wednesday was surrounded by floodwater after days of heavy rainfall. - © picture alliance

Major flooding continues to break out across the United Kingdom, with weather and flood warnings in place as Nottinghamshire declares a major incident.

Heavy rain along the southern English coastline this afternoon and continued showers across much of the UK prompted around 500 flood warnings to be issued, primarily across England today.

Although not all areas see a return of torrential rainfall, which is largely confined to the south and south-east of England, many areas have seen soil saturated with rainfall from Storm Henk. Making repeated flooding from fresh rainfall more likely, even with lesser amounts.

A major incident has been declared by Nottinghamshire County Council as the River Trent approaches record high levels. Key tributaries, such as the River Derwent and River Dove, are already receding. However, the Trent itself is swelling, with high water levels running down the river increasingly making flooding likely.

The current record high for the Trent 5.5 m recorded in November 2000. In Worcester, flood barriers are being installed along the River Severn which is likely to peak on Friday morning with the potential to also set a record-high.

Elsewhere, Great Western Railway says that any commuters heading to Cornwall, Devon, Somerset, or Wiltshire today should travel as soon as possible with disruption to lines expected later today.

Settings for external content

Privacy policy

With weather warnings in place until the early hours of Friday, there may be more disruption ahead. Strong gusting winds begin to build again into the evening, strongest on the south coast. On the Channel Islands, gusts reaching up to 74 mph are likely.

Torrential rainfall is already falling across the southern coast, and will push north-east into East Anglia, brushing parts of the East Midlands, into the evening.

There is some potential for thunderstorms to develop, however it currently appears that these will be restricted offshore in the English Channel.

Follow events as they develop with the WeatherRadar and WindRadar.

Tips: Preparing for a floodread more
Weather & Radar editorial team
More on the topic
Temperature map of the UK and western Europe showing warm orange conditions with temperatures above 20°C, alongside thermometer and UV icons indicating strong sunshine and elevated UV levels.
Wednesday 20 May 2026

Sunday peak

UV levels soar over Bank Holiday weekend
The map shows current water temperatures in Europe and the Mediterranean. The water is particularly warm off the coast of Spain and North Africa, and cooler in the North Sea and the Baltic Sea.
Wednesday 20 May 2026

Ideal for half-term

Warming waters in holiday spots
Split graphic showing a warm temperature map of the UK on the left with temperatures reaching 30°C near London, and a person applying sunscreen in bright sunshine on the right beside a thermometer icon.
Thursday 21 May 2026

Combating UV

Staying sun safe as heat rises
All weather news
This might also interest you
Weather graphic showing rain and wind fields over the Canary Islands and a central warning symbol.
Friday 12 December 2025

Storm and rain

Turbulent weather in the Canary Islands
Split image showing strong winds over the UK on a forecast map and widespread rain and snow on a weather radar map.
Tuesday 27 January 2026

Severe gales & heavy rain

Storm Chandra makes impact
Split UK map showing warm temperatures up to 21 degrees in orange on the left and clear sunny conditions with temperatures from 12 to 18 degrees on the right, with sun icons across the country.
Thursday 23 April 2026

Spring-like outlook

Bright and warm conditions take hold
All articles
Weather & Radar

Weather & Radar is also available on

Google Play StoreApp Store

Company

Contact us Privacy Policy Legal info Accessibility statement

Services

Uploader

Socials

facebooktwitteryouTubelinkList