The third named storm of the season, Storm Conall, is set to arrive in the UK tonight, bringing heavy rainfall and potential disruption to southern England. This follows just days after Storm Bert wreaked havoc over the weekend with torrential rain and severe winds. Named by the Dutch weather service KNMI, Storm Conall is expected to bring up to 50mm (two inches) of rain to some areas, causing further strain on already saturated ground and flood-affected communities.
Storm Conall’s Path and Impact
As Storm Conall approaches the south of England, it brings with it an area of low pressure that will deepen as it moves eastward. Following heavy rain across southern counties overnight, the storm is predicted to intensify, carrying strong winds into the Netherlands by late Wednesday and into Thursday.
In the UK, the Met Office has issued a yellow rain warning for southern regions, including Kent, Sussex, and the Isle of Wight, as well as a smaller area around Plymouth in Devon. This warning remains in effect from 10 pm on Tuesday until midday on Wednesday, encompassing a wide swathe of southern England. Essex, Surrey, Hampshire, Dorset, and London are also expected to feel the storm’s effects.
Rainfall totals of 15 to 20mm (0.6 to 0.8 inches) are likely in most affected areas, with some locations experiencing as much as 30 to 40mm (1.2 to 1.6 inches). There is also a lower but significant chance that some areas in the South East could see up to 50mm. This deluge, combined with saturated soil from Storm Bert, could lead to localized flooding of homes and businesses, as well as travel disruptions.
Aftermath of Storm Bert
Communities are still reeling from the damage caused by Storm Bert, which brought winds exceeding 80mph and turned roads into rivers. Hundreds of homes were flooded, leaving residents and emergency services grappling with a massive cleanup effort. The Environment Agency has warned that additional rainfall could exacerbate existing problems, particularly in areas where river levels remain high.
Chris Wilding, a spokesperson for the Environment Agency, has highlighted Northamptonshire as a region at risk of significant flooding, particularly around the River Nene. A severe flood warning—indicating a danger to life—remains in place for Billing Aquadrome holiday park and surrounding areas near the river.
Across the country, there were over 90 flood warnings and 120 flood alerts issued on Tuesday evening. While flooding impacts in Yorkshire and the West Midlands are not expected to worsen over the coming days, southern and eastern parts of England remain vulnerable to river and surface water flooding.
A Nation on High Alert
Storm Conall’s arrival has put southern England on high alert, with residents urged to prepare for potential disruption. The Met Office has cautioned that travel may be disrupted due to surface water on roads, and some areas could see flooding severe enough to impact daily life. Emergency services and local councils are on standby to respond to incidents, with drainage systems being closely monitored to prevent overflow.
For communities already impacted by Storm Bert, the back-to-back nature of these weather events has compounded difficulties. Many residents are still working to clear waterlogged properties and assess structural damage from the previous storm, making the prospect of additional rainfall particularly unwelcome.
In Billing Aquadrome, where the severe flood warning remains in effect, rescue operations were carried out over the weekend to evacuate residents trapped in floodwaters. Despite efforts to mitigate the damage, the area remains at high risk of further inundation as river levels fluctuate.
A Broader Pattern of Severe Weather
The naming of storms, a practice shared by the Met Office, KNMI, and Ireland’s Met Éireann, aims to make communication about severe weather clearer and more accessible. Storm names are assigned from a pre-determined list, running annually from September through August. Storm Conall follows Storm Bert, which had already underscored the increasing intensity and frequency of storms affecting the UK.
Since the naming system was introduced in 2015, the UK has faced a growing number of significant storms each year, highlighting the impact of climate variability. Wetter winters, prolonged periods of rainfall, and stronger winds are increasingly common, raising questions about long-term resilience and infrastructure preparedness.
This week’s heavy rainfall, coupled with colder temperatures expected on Wednesday, signals a challenging period for the UK as it contends with the immediate aftermath of storms while preparing for potential future events.
Preparing for Further Disruption
With further rain forecast across southern areas, authorities are urging people to remain vigilant and take precautions. The Environment Agency recommends that residents in flood-prone areas check flood warnings regularly and prepare emergency plans in case of evacuation. Simple measures, such as moving valuables to higher ground and ensuring mobile phones are fully charged, can make a significant difference in mitigating the impact of flooding.
In urban areas, drainage systems will face renewed pressure to cope with runoff. Councils are prioritizing clearing debris from gullies and storm drains to minimize blockages, but the sheer volume of water predicted poses a risk of overwhelming infrastructure. Motorists are advised to avoid driving through floodwaters, as even shallow water can cause vehicles to become stranded.
Looking Ahead
As Storm Conall barrels through southern England and moves toward the Netherlands, it leaves behind a nation grappling with the dual challenges of immediate flood responses and longer-term recovery. While it remains to be seen whether Conall will match the severity of its predecessor, the storm serves as a reminder of the increasingly volatile nature of the UK’s weather patterns.
In the coming days, attention will turn to assessing the cumulative impact of these storms and determining the necessary steps to bolster the nation’s resilience. Whether through improved flood defenses, better urban planning, or more robust emergency responses, the need to adapt to a changing climate has never been clearer.
For now, as rain lashes southern England and winds intensify, communities brace themselves once again, united in their determination to weather the storm.
