Flooding
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Britain is facing a "winter of flooding" with high winds and heavy rain threatening to batter the country over the next few months. Stormy weather is due to hit the UK later this month and forecasters have warned of the first named storm of the season within weeks. They say Scotland and the north will be in the firing line for the severe wet weather this winter.

AccuWeather senior meteorologist Alan Reppert said the entire country should prepare for "damaging winds" through winter. He warned: "A stormy weather pattern will set in before wintertime with active weather during the second half of October across the United Kingdom." Mr Reppert added: "At least one named windstorm is expected during this time before a lull in November. However, storm systems may still bring locally heavy rainfall at times during the month. The most active period of weather will be during the official winter months from December through February."

Brits have been told to expect a choppy run up to Christmas with wet and windy weather stretching through the New Year.

Mr Reppert added: "December and February will bring the potential for multiple windstorms within a week. The greatest wind threat is expected across Northern Ireland and Scotland while significant, but less frequent, damaging wind events will impact the rest of the United Kingdom. Above-normal rainfall across the UK and Ireland will result in another winter of flooding problems."

This winter could trigger a repeat of the devastating floods which crippled Britain during Christmas 2013. Thousands of people were left without power while others were forced from their homes after stormy weather swept the southern half of the country.

Heavy rain last year sparked Christmas misery across the north pushing rivers to record levels and triggering travel mayhem.

Mr Reppert added: "Brief shots of cold air may produce some low elevation snowfall at times. Locations with the greatest threat for impactful snowfall include Edinburgh and Sheffield."

WeatherOnline forecaster Simon Keeling confirmed things are likely to turn unsettled towards the end of October. He said: "It is starting unsettled for the final week of the month with further periods of rain and strong winds. It may be that by the end of the month higher pressure returns. This brings drier weather, but also the risk of some overnight fog and frost. We expect perhaps a more unsettled start to December for many. There are hints of pressure building into the middle of the month before falling significantly by the final stages of the month leading to windier, wetter weather. There will be gales at times too."

The Met Office said Britain's weather is showing signs of turning more unsettled during the second half of this month. Last month it released the list of autumn storm names with the first weather system to threaten disruption to be called 'Angus'. Spokeswoman Nicola Maxey said: "There may be a trend towards more changeable weather into late October across most parts. The north and northwest are expected to see the most unsettled weather, with the strongest winds and the heaviest outbreaks of rain.

Temperatures will vary through the period, but will probably be around average, perhaps just above in the south. Northern areas in contrast may see slightly below average temperatures, with an increasing risk of overnight frosts."