Storm Frank is expected to cause another dose of strong winds and flooding rain that will blast the United Kingdom into Wednesday after areas in Northern Ireland and Scotland were nailed throughout Tuesday.
As the storm tracks north, rainfall amounts should average 25-75 mm across Northern Ireland, Scotland, and the north of England and Wales. There will be localized amounts of up to 130 mm, especially along the west-facing slopes of the higher terrain, according to AccuWeather.
December has already been a record-breaking month for rainfall in parts of the U.K., meaning any significant rain will trigger more flooding
An Environment Agency spokesman warned "significant flooding" was expected in the area, adding, "The situation is serious and there is a significant risk to life," according to The BBC.
There are four severe flood warnings, indicating danger to life, and 46 flood warnings, requiring immediate action, in force in England and Wales. There are also some 38 warnings in Scotland, with many homes left without power and air passengers delayed in Northern Ireland.
AccuWeather meteorologist Tyler Roys said that in addition to the rain, wind gusts in excess of 50 mph will be common outside of the southeast of England.
"Compared to other named storms, the wind impacts from Storm Frank will be more widespread across the United Kingdom," Roys said. "There will be scattered power cuts and scattered to widespread tree damage."
"London will miss the worst of Storm Frank, but will still experience some wind and rain," Roys added.
Officers stepped up patrols last night amid fears that looters in white vans were targeting flooded houses. Looters are targeting homes evacuated by flood victims to steal valuables such as jewelery and laptops. Police said it was "impossible to comprehend" why opportunists would want to bring further suffering to those already hit by the crisis, according to The Daily Mail.
