The weather warning is in place for risks of heavy rain, flooding and snow
07:17, 22 Jan 2026Updated 07:20, 22 Jan 2026
Snow could return to the UK before the weekend(Image: Getty)
The Met Office has issued a ‘danger to life’ alert across nine UK regions ahead of Saturday owing to the threat of substantial rainfall and snow. The forecaster has supplemented its power outage and wind disruption advisory for England and Wales with an additional three-day warning covering parts of Scotland.
From Wednesday at midday until 11.59pm on Friday, “persistent and heavy rain” may result in flooding. This means that rapidly flowing or deep water could pose a danger to life in at least nine UK areas, whilst disruption could impact transport services, including trains and buses.
The weather specialists also cautioned that some communities might become isolated due to flooding, and that power outages could also occur.
The Met Office stated: “Persistent and heavy rain over hills later Wednesday and through Thursday and Friday may lead to some flooding.
“Rain, whilst intermittent at first on Wednesday, will become persistent and heavy over high ground later in the day, continuing into Thursday and potentially Friday. Rainfall accumulations of 30-60 mm are likely fairly widely inland, with as much as 80-120 mm possible over the highest ground exposed to the brisk southeasterly winds. Given the nature of the ground following recent rain and snow thaw, this may lead to some flooding in places. Rainfall totals will be smaller in coastal areas, but strong onshore winds and large waves at times will be additional hazards.”, reports the Express.
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“In addition, rain will fall increasingly as snow over high ground, especially on Thursday and into Friday, adding to the uncertainty as to how quickly rivers may respond downstream.”
The complete list of nine UK regions facing potential snow, flooding and danger to life are:.
As part of its guidance on preparing for the disruption, the forecaster added: “Check if your property could be at risk of flooding. If so, consider preparing a flood plan and an emergency flood kit.
“Give yourself the best chance of avoiding delays by checking road conditions if driving, or bus and train timetables, amending your travel plans if necessary.
“People cope better with power cuts when they have prepared for them in advance. It’s easy to do; consider gathering torches and batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essential items.
“Be prepared for weather warnings to change quickly: when a weather warning is issued, the Met Office recommends staying up to date with the weather forecast in your area.”