Storm Conall Brings Further Rainfall to UK

Storm Conall has delivered an additional day of rain to southern England, leading to disruptions including the cancellation of train services. England currently has 71 flood warnings in effect, with areas previously affected by flooding still recovering from the prolonged downpours during Storm Bert. The recent storm caused fewer problems as it moved across southern England on Tuesday night and Wednesday morning, as it was projected to intensify as it proceeded towards the Netherlands. The number of flood warnings is anticipated to continue decreasing, as the flood-impacted regions are expected to experience drier weather over the next few days. As Storm Conall traversed England, nearly 50mm of rain was recorded on Dartmoor, and 20-30mm fell in some other parts of southern England. However, many of the areas that were inundated during Storm Bert received less rainfall, with totals ranging from approximately 3mm to 8mm, thereby preventing further issues. The rainfall was associated with a developing low-pressure system moving from west to east across southern England. The coming days are expected to bring higher pressure, which will result in dry weather across flooded areas, allowing time for the floodwaters to dissipate. In parts of south-east England, trains were cancelled on three routes due to flooded tracks, while five other routes experienced disruptions on Wednesday morning. Gatwick Express trains are expected to face ongoing delays and cancellations into the evening, with the service advising commuters to begin return journeys as soon as possible due to the disruptions. Thameslink passengers traveling to Welwyn Garden City have been recommended to use alternative routes because some services have been suspended, and others are still operating on a reduced schedule. The most significant impacts of Conall are being felt in the Netherlands. Stronger winds were observed in eastern England later on Wednesday as the storm developed over the North Sea. Flood warnings, which signify that flooding is expected, remain concentrated along the River Severn, from Shropshire into Gloucestershire, the Bristol Avon, and the River Nene in Northamptonshire. A severe flood warning for the Billing Aquadrome holiday park, where a major incident was declared over the weekend, and nearby businesses along the Nene, stayed in place until late Wednesday afternoon. Emsworth, in Hampshire, has also registered a water level in the West Brook area as “high and rising rapidly,” with heavy rain anticipated to reach nearly 40mm. There are 150 flood alerts active in England, indicating that flooding is possible, and two in Wales. Heavy rainfall and strong winds brought by Storm Bert over the weekend resulted in at least five fatalities, while homes, roads, and rail networks encountered major disruption. Many communities are still engaged in cleanup efforts after homes and businesses were submerged by floodwater. Conall is the third “named” storm of the season, following Ashley and Bert. The storm was named by the Dutch Weather Service, which, in collaboration with the Met Office and Met Éireann in Ireland, names storms for improved communication. The annual list of storms, first launched in 2015, typically runs from early September until late August of the subsequent year, coinciding with the beginning of autumn.