The Met Office has warned Storm Christoph will batter the UK this week, with heavy rain and flooding likely on Wednesday and Thursday.

It is the third named storm of the season with yellow warnings in place for most of the country.

Forecasters are warning there could be up to 200mm in some parts of the country.

The warning states: "Several days of persistent, and occasionally heavy, rain are expected to affect the region as Storm Christoph affects the UK.

"By early Thursday, 30-60mm of rain is expected to have fallen widely across the warning area, with 100-150mm over the high ground of Wales and northern England.

"Up to 200mm is possible across parts of north Wales and northwest England.

"Melting snow across higher parts of the Pennines may exacerbate the potential for flooding.

"Strong winds will also accompany the rainfall and may add to travelling difficulties across areas higher and more exposed routes."

The warning is in place from midnight on Tuesday until noon on Thursday (January 21).

What has the Met Office said?

Chief Meteorologist Dan Suri, said: “Following a cold spell where the main hazard was snow, our focus now turns to notably heavy rain moving across the UK this week.

"Some locations could see over 100mm of rain falling through the course just a couple of days with up to 200mm possible over higher ground.

"These amounts of rainfall along with snow melt present a real threat of flooding and people should keep a close eye on flood warnings from the Environment Agency.

“As the system moves away into the North Sea Wednesday night and Thursday morning there will be strong winds along the east coast for a time. 

"Meanwhile, colder air coming southwards into the weather system brings the risk of further snow on the back edge of this system.

"Temperatures will gradually fall across the UK through the end of the week and into the weekend bringing a return to widespread overnight frosts.”

What to expect

  • Flooding of a few homes and businesses is likely
  • Bus and train services probably affected with journey times taking longer
  • Spray and flooding on roads probably making journey times longer
  • Some interruption to power supplies and other services likely

Here is the five-day forecast for the South East:

Persistent and heavy rain over the next few days.

Today:

Mainly fine during the morning, although southern coastal districts may see the odd shower. Becoming generally cloudier from the west into the afternoon, culminating in occasional rain spreading eastwards. Rather cold throughout, accentuated by the strengthening wind. Maximum temperature 9C.

Tonight:

Soon becoming generally cloudy wet and windy, although staying relatively mild and frost-free as a result. Rain should become lighter and more intermittent later in the night. Minimum temperature 5C.

Tuesday:

Damp and windy, with coastal gales. Brightest in the morning in the east, with occasional rain tending to become heavier and more widespread later. Mild, but tempered by the wind. Maximum temperature 11C.

Outlook for Wednesday to Friday:

Wet and windy throughout Wednesday, with gales in places. Colder and blustery for a time into Thursday, ahead of a drier, less windy, but much colder end to the week.