Met Office issues urgent 'danger to life' flooding warning for three areas

The Met Office has issued a rare "danger to life" warning for three parts of the UK as people have been told to prepare for flooding.

Forecasters have predicted very heavy rain to hit parts of the UK on Sunday night and into Monday morning. The Met Office has issued an amber weather warning for three parts of Northern Ireland, warning locals to stay safe amid potentially dangerous weather. The weather office predicted some areas could be at risk of flash flooding in the next few hours.

The areas issued with an amber warning were County Antrim, County Armagh and County Down. The Met Office said these areas could be pummelled with 50-75 mm of rain in a short space of time "with a risk of flash flooding".

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The agency said: "A spell of very heavy rain is expected to affect parts of east and southeast Northern Ireland during Sunday night and at first on Monday morning. There remains some uncertainty in the northern extent of the heaviest rain."

The Met Office warned this heavy weather could also make driving difficult, due to spray and flooding, and homes and businesses could be flooded too.

The agency also warned this heavy rain could be dangerous, saying: "Fast flowing or deep floodwater is likely, causing danger to life." People can also expect power cuts and delays to trains and other transport.

The Met Office has also advised people to prepare a flood kit to "save you from loss or damage due to flooding to your home or business".

People were also told what should be in their flood kits, including: "Insurance and any other important documents; a torch & spare batteries; a first aid kit, prescription medicines and supplies for looking after your family members or pets; and warm, waterproof clothes, blankets, food and water."

The Met Office added: "Consider checking on vulnerable people that you know including older people, those with underlying conditions and those who live alone; they may need support with food and medical supplies. If you are worried about your health or that of somebody you know, consult NI:DIRECT.

"Stay up to date with the weather forecast for your area and follow advice from emergency services and local authorities."

Yellow weather warnings have also been issued to other parts of the country as more rain is set to hit parts of the UK in the coming days.

The Met Office said parts of England and Scotland may also see 20-40mm of rain in just two hours on Monday. From 3am until 9pm on Monday, the south and east of England are covered by a yellow thunderstorm warning. By 11am the same warning will be in place for the Midlands, northern England and Scotland.