Hours after this dramatic full moon rose over Stonehenge the heavens opened and parts of the country were pounded by a month’s rainfall.
Even before midday yesterday, nearly 30mm had fallen in some areas, ruining sporting fixtures, outdoor events and sending holidaymakers dashing for cover.
Up 80mm was predicted over 24 hours with the South West especially hard hit.
A severe yellow warning was put out for the most vulnerable areas, indicating rail and road travel is likely to be disrupted.
England’s second Cricket test against Australia was abandoned.
An outdoor charity concert by former One Direction signer Liam Payne in Chiswick, West London, was called off.
And the Environment Agency warned the River Trent in Derbyshire and parts of the Lake District could flood.
The Met Office ’s Marco Petagna said: “There is heavy rain coming across Ireland and Northern Ireland.
“It will move across Scotland, Wales and England.”
Winds of more than 40mph were also forecast.
By late morning yesterday, Killowen, Co Down, was the soggiest town, with 29.2mm of rain in 12 hours.
In St Bees Head, Cumbria, 16.8mm fell over the same period. But forecasters believe the rain is clearing eastwards and Saturday is expected to be clearer.
Perhaps, just maybe, there’s still time for summer to make a comeback...
