Storm Jorge batters UK to make it wettest February for more than 150 years

Heavy rain and high winds are battering parts of the UK on a fourth consecutive weekend of terrible weather – as the Met Office confirmed it has been the wettest February on record.

The UK average rainfall this month has been 202.1mm – beating the previous record of 193.4mm from February 1990. Records began in 1862.

A “critical incident” was declared in South Wales by police after more flooding and wild weather overnight – with Storm Jorge bringing heavy rain and strong winds to the UK.

South Wales Fire and Rescue Service took 72 calls between 6pm on Friday and 6am on Saturday.

“Following flooding and severe weather-related incidents which have occurred overnight and through the course of the morning, a critical incident has been declared,” South Wales Police said.

It added: “The emergency services, jointly with local authority planning departments, local health boards, and organisations such as Natural Resources Wales and utility companies, are working continuously to ensure the safety and welfare of those affected, minimise damage to infrastructure and property, and minimise disruption.”

The critical incident declaration was later stood down by the force, which said officers would continue to monitor the situation throughout the day, and adding “agencies remain prepared if further issues arise”.

Superintendent Andy Kingdom said: “Indications are that the rain is set to stop and river levels will soon recede.

“There is still significant surface water and debris on the roads throughout the force area so we would advise people only to travel if absolutely necessary.”

There are eight flood warnings and more than 25 flood alerts across Wales.

Communities still dealing with floodwater are set to get another deluge of rain, with Met Office yellow weather warnings in place for much of the country.

The South West, Northern Ireland, the North West and South Wales will get the worst of the rain overnight into Saturday – but forecasters say it should clear up during the morning.

“It’s going to be quite lively with some heavy rain and strong winds,” said the Met Office’s Emma Salter.

“It’s going to be a really wet start to the day.”

There are more than 80 flood warnings – meaning immediate action is required – in force across England, and around 200 flood alerts.

In East Yorkshire, the local council said four tonnes of sandbags were laid overnight in the village of East Cowick to divert water.

In nearby Lidgate 60 houses were said to be at risk of flooding and people were being evacuated after the River Aire burst its banks.

However, in Ironbridge in Shropshire – one of the worst-affected towns – the “danger to life” warning has been downgraded.

The Environment Agency manager for the area, Dave Throup, praised the “herculean efforts” of teams along the River Severn.

Storm Jorge will also bring strong winds, with the Met Office saying they will move northeast across a large swathe of the UK on Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning.

Gusts could reach 60mph on higher ground and whip up large waves on the coast.

The third prong in this weekend’s weather is snow – it’s forecast on higher parts of southern Scotland and the Highlands, where people have been warned to prepare for travel disruption.

“There is a small chance that vehicles and passengers could become stranded on the higher trunk routes north of the Central Belt of Scotland,” said the Met Office.

The snow warning is in place from Saturday afternoon until Monday lunchtime.

Jorge is the third named storm in recent weeks, after Ciara and Dennis.

(c) Sky News 2020: Storm Jorge batters UK to make it wettest February for more than 150 years