Ipswich braces for storms following Met Office yellow warning

Why it matters: A band of heavy showers and thunderstorms is forecast to move northwards through Suffolk on Wednesday morning, with the potential for intense rainfall and localised flash flooding in some areas.

The details: The Met Office warning covers a "small risk of flooding and disruption from thunderstorms" on Wednesday, with an impact rating of medium and a likelihood rated very low.

• A drier, brighter interlude is expected to follow the morning band of showers, but further showers and thunderstorms may break out during the afternoon.
• Many places will miss the more intense downpours, but where they do occur, 20-30mm of rain could fall in under an hour, with perhaps 40-50mm in two to three hours in a few spots.
• Large hail and frequent lightning are also possible.
• The showers and thunderstorms are expected to drift northwards and ease during the evening.

What they're saying: A Suffolk County Council spokesperson said: "With a Yellow Weather Warning in place, our Highways teams have been preparing for the forecast rainfall and are continuing work across the county to help keep drainage systems operating as effectively as possible.

"So far this year, our teams have cleared more than 71,000 gullies across Suffolk, almost 4,000 more than at the same point last year. This work takes place every day and forms an important part of our efforts to reduce the impact of heavy rainfall."

The other side: The council acknowledged its drainage network cannot cope with every downpour. The spokesperson said: "It is important to recognise that during periods of very intense rain, particularly when large volumes of water fall in a short space of time, drainage systems can and will become overwhelmed.

"After the recent hot and dry weather, much of the ground is very hard, meaning rain may not soak into the soil as easily. Instead, water can run off the surface more quickly, increasing the risk of surface water and localised flash flooding, even where drains are fully functioning."

What's next: The council said its teams would monitor conditions closely and respond where issues are reported. The spokesperson said: "We would ask residents and motorists to take extra care, allow more time for journeys, and never attempt to drive through floodwater.

"If people encounter blocked gullies or persistent flooding after the rainfall has eased, they should report it to Suffolk Highways so we can investigate and respond as quickly as possible."

Residents can report blocked drains or flooding via the Suffolk Highways reporting tool. For urgent issues presenting an immediate risk to public safety, Suffolk Highways can be contacted on 0345 606 6171. In an emergency where there is immediate danger to life, always call 999.

The bottom line: Suffolk County Council says it cannot prevent every instance of flooding during extreme weather, but says it is continuing to invest in and maintain the county's drainage network as thunderstorms are forecast to move across Suffolk on Wednesday.

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