BRACE yourself!

That was the warning to soggy Suffolk today – after forecasters predicted a FORTNIGHT of heavy downpours.

As severe gales lashed the coast – forcing Felixstowe port to a standstill yesterday – weather experts revealed that an end to the miserable conditions is not yet in sight. However, the controversial hosepipe ban will remain in place, water bosses have confirmed.

This time last year sun-worshippers were flocking to the county’s parks and beaches to enjoy the glorious sunshine.

But anyone venturing outside in recent days has been in greater need of an umbrella than a parasol.

There have been a number of flood warnings in the south west of the country – but a spokesman for the Environment Agency said a similar threat in the east was unlikely.

Environment Agency spokeswoman Rita Penman said: “Some rivers in the region have come up to a level where we may have to issue the lowest form of flood alert – where the water may rise up and flood the surrounding land and roads – but it’s nothing like what’s happening in the south west.”

However, the severe lashing which has soaked Suffolk in recent days will go on – and could even cause a damp May bank holiday weekend. There was flooding on the A14 at Bury, while a tree came crashing down on to the road in Nettlestead, near Great Blakenham.

A forecaster for Weatherquest said yesterday’s torrential rain was likely to be the “most exciting” this week, but we should expect the showers to continue throughout the rest of the week.

Today is likely to be another wet day with more showers tomorrow and the chance of thunder on both days. The rain shows no sign of abating over the weekend, although temperatures are set to rise a little on Monday.

Weatherquest’s predictions currently reach Saturday, May 5, and the bank holiday outlook is gloomy and grey.

n How has the rain affected you? Write to Your Letters, Ipswich Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN.