The Met Office updates are coming at us fast and furiously, just like the winds predicted for Wednesday.
They have issued the following Yellow (Be Aware) warning valid from 00.05 to 23.00 on Wednesday 5th February 2014.
Gales accompanied by heavy rain will continue northeastwards overnight, the gales swinging into the west by morning but still with the potential for gusts to around 70 mph in coastal areas, possibly 80 mph in the far southwest. Inland gusts to around 60 mph are likely. A gradual change to more showery conditions is expected on Wednesday but still with some longer spells of rain, which could mean that some areas see accumulations of 20-30 mm in 24 hours, perhaps even 40 mm over southwestern hills.
The public should be aware of the risk of disruption from either the wind or rain elements in this warning, which have almost equal prominence during this period.
Additionally, large waves and high tides mean a further risk of flooding in some coastal areas.
This warning is accompanied by one for heavy rain on Friday, valid from 00.05 to 12.00.
A further spell of heavy rain may affect parts of the south of England for a time late on Thursday evening and during the first part of Friday. Southeastern areas are judged as being most at risk.
The public should be aware that there is more than usual uncertainty in the outcome for this period but that further flooding may occur (or be worsened in some areas) if this threat does materialise.
The warnings were issued for London & South East England, which includes the Isle of Wight.
Image: © Used with permission of Benjamin Tonner
