Heavy rain and gusty winds are sweeping across southern England today, Thursday 18 December, with Met Office yellow weather warnings in force and transport operators warning of delays, cancellations and the risk of localized flooding at the height of the pre-Christmas travel period.

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Yellow weather warnings blanket southern England and Wales

The Met Office has issued yellow weather warnings for rain across large parts of southwest England, southern counties of England and south Wales today, warning that already saturated ground increases the risk of surface water flooding and disruption to road and rail journeys. The heaviest bursts are expected from late morning through the afternoon, before clearing east this evening.

Forecasters say many locations within the warning area are likely to see 15 to 25 millimetres of rain, with 40 to 50 millimetres possible in places, especially over higher ground such as Dartmoor and the Downs. Strong, gusty winds will accompany the rain, with exposed stretches of the south coast at risk of gusts approaching 60 miles per hour and inland areas seeing 40 to 50 miles per hour, making conditions feel particularly unpleasant for those out and about.

The warnings cover a broad swathe of the south, from Cornwall, Devon and Somerset through Dorset, Wiltshire and Gloucestershire, and east into Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, Sussex, Kent, Surrey, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and the London commuter belt. Parts of south Wales remain under warning too, adding to a week of unsettled weather that has already seen numerous flood alerts issued on rivers and streams.

Met Office forecasters stress that while this is not an extreme storm system, the combination of persistent rain, strong winds and very wet ground following earlier downpours means relatively modest additional rainfall could quickly lead to issues such as standing water on roads, blocked drains and fast-responding watercourses rising rapidly.

Localized flooding risk as rivers run high and ground is saturated

The Environment Agency has kept a high number of flood alerts and a smaller number of flood warnings in place across England and Wales as the wet spell continues into a second week. In low-lying areas and urban centres, there is particular concern about surface water flooding, where drains and culverts may struggle to cope with intense bursts of rain falling onto concrete and already sodden soil.

County authorities in parts of southern and western England have been monitoring river levels closely after several days of intermittent heavy showers. Some rivers are running close to the top of their banks, especially in catchments that responded sharply to earlier rainfall.

Officials warn that today’s additional rain, even if spread out over several hours, could be enough to push some smaller rivers, streams and brooks over their banks, flooding adjacent fields, footpaths and, in the worst cases, nearby properties.

Roadside flooding has already been reported in several coastal and inland spots in the southwest, with standing water accumulating at known pinch points under railway bridges, on minor country lanes and at junctions where fallen leaves and debris have blocked drains.

Motorists are being urged to avoid driving through floodwater, with authorities reiterating that even shallow, fast-flowing water can be enough to float a car or sweep an unsuspecting pedestrian off their feet.

Local councils are deploying extra crews to clear blocked drains and respond to reports of flooding, while highways teams have been out since the early hours inspecting vulnerable stretches of road. The public is being asked to report significant flooding and not to attempt to clear large blockages themselves, particularly in fast-flowing watercourses.

Rail services disrupted across key southern routes

National Rail Enquiries is warning passengers to check before they travel, as heavy rain and poor weather are affecting services operated by several companies across southern England. CrossCountry has highlighted the risk of delays and short-notice cancellations on routes crossing the south and southwest, as heavy downpours and high winds slow trains and prompt additional safety checks along the network.

South Western Railway, which runs busy commuter and regional services into and out of London Waterloo and across Surrey, Hampshire, Dorset and parts of Devon and Wiltshire, is also reporting disruption due to the wet weather.

Reduced speed limits on some lines, signal faults caused by water ingress and the possibility of fallen branches or debris on tracks are all contributing to extended journey times and late-running services this afternoon and evening.

Rail operators say they are working to keep as many trains running as possible but warn that customers may find services busier than usual where cancellations and short-form trains occur.

Travelers are advised to allow extra time for their journeys, check live departure boards before heading to the station and be prepared for changes to normal timetables, especially on longer-distance intercity and cross-country routes.

With many people travelling to visit friends and family or attend festive events in the final week before Christmas, today’s disruption comes at a particularly inconvenient moment.

Passengers with flexible tickets are being encouraged, where possible, to travel earlier or later in the day to avoid the worst of the conditions, or to consider alternative routes that may be less exposed to flooding hotspots.

Road, air and ferry travel also feeling the impact

Road conditions across southern England have deteriorated through the day as rain has intensified and visibility has dropped in places. Motorway and trunk road operators have warned of spray, surface water and a higher-than-usual risk of accidents, particularly on busy stretches of the M3, M4, M5, A303 and A27 corridors. Drivers are being told to reduce speed, increase following distances and use dipped headlights in heavy rain, even during daylight hours.

Some minor roads in rural parts of Devon, Somerset, Dorset and West Sussex have become partially blocked by standing water, fallen branches or minor landslips from saturated banks. Local police forces have urged motorists not to attempt to bypass flooded sections, especially where depth markers are absent, and to follow any diversions put in place.

At coastal airports in the south, gusty crosswinds have the potential to cause minor delays and require more careful scheduling of take-offs and landings. While no major disruption has been reported so far, passengers flying into or out of regional airports in the southwest and along the south coast are being advised to keep in touch with their airlines in case of weather-related schedule changes later in the day if winds strengthen further.

Cross-Channel and coastal ferry services are also operating in choppy seas, with operators warning of the possibility of rough crossings, altered timetables or, in isolated cases, cancellations if wind and wave conditions worsen during peak periods.

Travelers headed for continental Europe or the Channel Islands are reminded to factor in the potential for delays on both sides of the water as the same frontal system pushes heavy rain across northern France and the Low Countries.

Tourism and local businesses weigh up pre-Christmas weather hit

Seaside towns and visitor destinations along the south coast are braced for a quieter-than-hoped-for day as tourists and day-trippers scale back plans in response to the conditions.

Resorts such as Weston-super-Mare in the southwest and popular stretches of the Sussex and Kent coastline are seeing heavy rain and strong winds just as they enter what is normally a busy final run-up to Christmas, with markets, outdoor attractions and seasonal events scheduled throughout the week.

Outdoor attractions including piers, promenades, coastal trails and countryside walking routes are expected to attract fewer visitors today, with many opting instead for indoor activities.

Some organizers of open-air events have taken the decision to amend, postpone or move activities under cover where possible, prioritizing safety and comfort in the face of blustery downpours.

Hospitality and retail businesses are watching the situation closely, hoping that any downturn today will be offset by improved conditions over the weekend as high pressure begins to build.

Forecasters suggest that after this latest bout of rain and wind, much of the UK could see a shift to drier, more settled weather heading into Christmas week, potentially offering a late boost to local trade and travel.

For now, however, many hotels, guesthouses and holiday rentals across the south are fielding calls from guests seeking reassurance about access and safety. Industry representatives are urging visitors not to cancel trips outright without checking local conditions, noting that while travel may be slower and outdoor plans curtailed today, most destinations and attractions remain open and determined to offer a warm welcome.

What forecasters expect for the coming days

Today’s wet and windy episode is the latest in a series of low pressure systems that have crossed the UK in recent days, bringing repeated pulses of rain and spells of strong winds, particularly to western and southern areas.

Meteorologists say this unsettled pattern is now nearing its end, with computer models indicating a trend toward higher pressure building in from the Atlantic over the weekend and into next week.

If this pattern develops as expected, many parts of England and Wales, including the south, should see a marked improvement in conditions in the run-up to Christmas.

Showers are still likely at times, but extended dry intervals, lighter winds and cooler nights with patchy frost and fog could become more common. While this shift may ease flood concerns by allowing rivers and ground to gradually recover, it could bring its own travel challenges through early-morning fog and icy patches in some areas.

Forecasters caution that river catchments that have seen repeated heavy rainfall will take time to respond to any break in the weather, so flood alerts and warnings may remain in force for a while even after the heaviest rain clears. They also note that any further Atlantic systems later in the month could quickly renew concerns if they bring additional heavy rain to the same already-affected areas.

For travellers and residents across the south, the message is to stay alert to updated forecasts and flood information over the next 24 to 48 hours, especially where plans involve long-distance road or rail journeys, or stays in low-lying or coastal locations that are historically prone to flooding during wet winter spells.

Practical advice for travellers and residents today

Transport authorities and emergency services across southern England are issuing repeated reminders about safe behaviour in adverse weather. On the roads, drivers are told to slow down in heavy rain, leave extra room to stop, and be prepared for sudden patches of standing water, particularly where lanes narrow or where runoff from fields crosses the carriageway.

Large vehicles such as lorries and coaches are advised to take extra care in strong crosswinds, especially on exposed bridges and viaducts.

For rail passengers, the recommendation is to check live travel updates regularly, sign up for operator alerts where available and allow additional time at interchanges in case of missed connections.

Those holding advance tickets for specific trains may be able to use them on earlier or later services if disruption is significant, but are advised to check with operators before travelling to avoid confusion at barriers.

Residents and business owners in flood-prone locations are being encouraged to move valuables and key documents upstairs where feasible, ensure that drains and gullies around their properties are clear of leaves and rubbish, and keep basic emergency items to hand, such as torches, fully charged mobile phones and, where relevant, sandbags or flood barriers. Those living near rivers and streams should remain aware of local water levels and be ready to act quickly if official advice changes.

Visitors staying in hotels, guest houses or holiday cottages are advised to follow the guidance of accommodation providers, who in many areas have well-practised procedures for dealing with wet and windy winter weather.

Simple steps such as planning indoor alternatives to outdoor excursions, staggering departure times to avoid the peak of the worst conditions and checking rail and road conditions the evening before travel can make a significant difference to comfort and safety.

FAQ

Q1. Which areas in the south of the UK are most affected by today’s warnings?
Southern England and south Wales are under yellow weather warnings, including much of the southwest from Cornwall and Devon through Somerset and Dorset, and east across Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, Sussex, Kent, Surrey, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and surrounding counties.

Q2. How severe is the expected rainfall today, 18 December?
The Met Office expects widespread totals of 15 to 25 millimetres of rain across the warning area, with some locations, particularly higher ground in the southwest and the Downs, seeing 40 to 50 millimetres during the course of the day.

Q3. How strong will the winds be in southern England?
Forecasters indicate that inland areas may see gusts of 40 to 50 miles per hour, while exposed sections of the south coast could experience gusts approaching 60 miles per hour during the windiest periods.

Q4. What kinds of travel disruption are most likely?
Rail services may face delays and cancellations due to speed restrictions, signalling issues and debris on tracks, while roads could be affected by surface water, reduced visibility, minor flooding and a higher risk of accidents where drivers do not adjust their speed to conditions.

Q5. Are flights and ferries from the south of the UK being cancelled?
At present most flights and ferry services are operating, but gusty winds and heavy rain could cause delays, more turbulent crossings and isolated cancellations, so passengers should monitor information from airlines and ferry operators throughout the day.

Q6. Is there a serious risk of homes being flooded?
While widespread property flooding is not currently forecast, localized flooding is possible, especially near smaller rivers, streams and in low-lying or urban areas where drains may become overwhelmed by intense rainfall and runoff from saturated ground.

Q7. What should drivers do if they encounter a flooded road?
Authorities advise drivers to turn around and find an alternative route rather than attempting to drive through floodwater, as even relatively shallow moving water can knock a vehicle off course and may hide deep potholes or other hazards.

Q8. How might this weather affect Christmas travel plans later in the week?
Today’s disruption could cause some knock-on delays, but forecasts suggest conditions should gradually improve into the weekend and Christmas week, offering more settled periods for travel, although passengers should still plan ahead and check for any residual issues.

Q9. Are tourist destinations in the south closing because of the weather?
Most attractions remain open, but some outdoor events and activities are being modified, postponed or moved indoors for safety and comfort, so visitors should check local information and be flexible about plans.

Q10. Where can people find the most up-to-date information on warnings and disruption?
Residents and travellers should refer to official forecast and warning services for weather information and use transport operators’ and National Rail Enquiries’ live updates for details of delays, cancellations and alternative travel options.