Britons in 49 locations across the UK have been urged to prepare essential supplies as the Met Office issues multiple weather warnings for heavy rain, flooding and strong winds next week.

Four yellow weather warnings are currently in place from Monday to Wednesday, with forecasters warning that disruptive conditions could lead to travel chaos, power cuts and dangerous flooding.

The first yellow warning for rain comes into force at 6pm on Monday and remains active until 6pm on Tuesday. It covers large parts of south-west England and Wales, where up to 100mm of rain could fall in some areas. The Met Office has warned that flooding of homes and businesses is possible, alongside transport delays and potential power outages.

Areas affected by the initial rain warning include Hampshire, Bristol, Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Somerset, Wiltshire and Herefordshire, along with wide parts of Wales including Cardiff, Swansea, Newport, Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire and Gwynedd.

Alongside the rain, a separate yellow warning for strong winds will begin at 10pm on Monday and remain in place until 4pm on Tuesday. Wind speeds could reach 70mph in exposed coastal areas, particularly across the south west of England and parts of Wales. The Met Office has warned that flying debris and fallen trees could cause disruption to road, rail, air and ferry services.

Areas covered by the wind warning include Cornwall, Devon, Isles of Scilly, Somerset, Plymouth, Torbay, Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion and the Isle of Anglesey.

Further disruption is expected on Tuesday as a second yellow warning for heavy rain comes into effect across large parts of northern England. The Met Office said fast-flowing floodwater could pose a “danger to life” in some locations, with up to 80mm of rain forecast. There is also a risk that communities could be temporarily cut off by flooded roads.

The weather agency continues to advise people in affected areas to secure loose objects, prepare emergency supplies such as torches, batteries and medication, and check travel plans before setting out.

More warnings could follow as weather systems continue to move across the UK throughout the week. Photo by Richard Knights, Wikimedia commons.