UK Bewarned As 'Once In A Lifetime' US Snowstorm That Killed At Least 29 Crosses Atlantic

THE killer blizzard that buried parts of the US in more than 40 inches of snow has sparked severe weather warnings in the UK as it sweeps across the Atlantic. 

Torrential downpours are due on Tuesday with as much as 8 inches expected to fall on some areas. 

Yorkshire, which has already suffered devastating floods this winter, has been issued a severe weather warning as the aftermath of Storm Jonas approaches. 

The Met Office has issued warnings for the northwest of England, large parts of Wales, and south and west Scotland. 

Many parts of the affected areas are expected to experience 4 inches of rain, but as much as 8 inches has been forecast for north Wales, northwest England, and southwest Scotland. 

A Met Office spokesperson said: "The general situation over the next three days is that we have a couple of systems moving through starting tomorrow. 

"From midnight tonight we have got rain moving into Northern Ireland, some will be heavy by tomorrow morning. 

"During the day the rain will spread further east and south. 

"On Wednesday we have similar blasts of rain moving through. 

"The next two or three days will be very showery and we have warnings in place." 

Met Office forecaster Charles Powell said: "The remnants of the US snow storm when it arrives will be rain from first thing across western Scotland and Northern Ireland."

The highest amount recorded was in Glengary, West Virginia, which was buried under 42 inches of the white stuff.  

As remnants of the storm head to our shores Chris Wilding from the Environment Agency, said: "Our thoughts are with all those who have suffered serious flooding over the past few months, and it is once again vital that people prepare for heavy rainfall and the risk of further flooding. 

"We will issue flood warnings and alerts where necessary as rivers respond to the rainfall, which could also inundate drains, so people need to be ready for flash flooding in some places. 

"We urge people to check their flood risk, prepare for flooding, follow the advice from emergency services and never risk driving through flood water."

The heavy rains are expected despite forecasts that temperatures will be above the average expected for January. 

Yesterday was one of the warmest days on record for January according to the Met Office. 

The maximum temperature was 16.5C - not too far away from the highest ever January temperature of 18.3C recorded in 2003. 

The UK temperature is forecasted to reach 14C in some places on Wednesday and will be the highest over the next three days. 

The lowest temperature across the next three days is expected to be 2C and will also be on Wednesday. 

Temperatures in Scotland have rivalled the mildest ever recorded for January, and there is a yellow weather warning in place ahead of tomorrow's expected rainfall - meaning severe weather is possible. 

Sky News weather presenter Isobel Lang said: "We are expecting some unusually high January temperatures of 15C or possibly 16C through Monday. 

"Although not record-breaking, this will be well above the average of 6C or 7C. 

"The southerly airflow is in complete contrast to the northerly blast which has been pounding the northeast states of America where there has been significant disruption from a major winter storm.

"That depression will affect us in the UK this week, having crossed the Atlantic, it will bring us another surge of mild but very moist air resulting in heavy rainfall. 

"The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for heavy rainfall for Tuesday and Wednesday for more than 15cm (6in) of rain across western hills, bringing the threat of flooding."