'Perfect Storm' Dennis expected to have far-reaching impacts as army called in
Dennis could become a 'perfect storm' and bring a month's worth of rainfall to parts of the U.K., life-threatening floods possible
Forecasters in the U.K. are warning residents to brace for the impacts of Storm Dennis, as armies have been called in to assist with recovery efforts.
The "perfect storm" has the potential to dump a month's worth of rainfall in one day, as some parts of the country may receive up to 120 mm, putting hundreds of homes at risk of flooding. Winds will also be strong, and could reach up to 113 km/h along the coastlines.
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The Environment Agency stated floods are likely to be worse than those resulting from Storm Ciara due to rain falling on already saturated ground. John Curtin, the organization's executive director of flood and coastal risk management, said Storm Dennis has the potential to be a "perfect storm" and "a step up from what we have seen before."
Rain and wind warnings are in place for much of the country until Sunday. The alerts indicate flooding could be life-threatening, power outages are expected and there is a likelihood of impacts to transport links.
FLIGHTS CANCELLED, DEATHS REPORTED
Hundreds of flights in and out of the U.K. have been cancelled due to the storm, which is being blamed for at least two deaths as of Saturday afternoon.
Two bodies were pulled from rough seas Saturday as Storm Dennis plowed through the region. The body of one man was found after a significant search operation off Margate, Kent, while the other was located at Herne Bay.
Lifeboats and the coastguard helicopter were scouring the sea near Margate Harbour following reports that a man went overboard, the HM Coastguard said. As well, HMS Westminster was believed to have responded to a relay call, and has been in the area, according to ship-tracking data.
ARMIES MOBILIZED TO HELP WITH REPAIRS
The U.K. Ministry of Defence said 75 soldiers from 4th Battalion, Royal Regiment of Scotland, have been dispatched to Ilkley and Calderdale in West Yorkshire. They are helping to erect flood barriers and repair defences.
An additional 70 reservists from 4th Battalion, The Yorkshire Regiment, will also be providing assistance where required. Calderdale Council leader Tim Swift said their appearance would be a "reassuring sight" for residents of the "already-exhausted communities".
According to the Met Office, 82 per cent of the U.K.'s average rainfall for the month fell between Feb. 1 and 13, while northern Ireland has already seen 114 per cent of its total for the same period.
Thumbnail courtesy of Twisted_Bobbins.
Sources: BBC | BreakingNews.ie | Sky News
