The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for thunderstorms across 44 UK areas, urging households to prepare to turn off their gas, water and electricity supplies. The warning covers parts of the East Midlands, North West England, Wales, Yorkshire, Scotland and Northern Ireland, with thunderstorms expected from 12pm, 2pm or 7pm today (August 19) until 10pm this evening.
The national forecaster warned that the thunderstorms, following hot weather, could bring disruption including possible flooding, lightning strikes and power cuts. Spray and sudden flooding may make driving conditions difficult and could lead to some road closures, while commuters face possible delays and cancellations to train and bus services.
Advice for households
As the thunderstorms may cause flooding in some areas, the Met Office advises households to prepare now and protect their property. The drastic advice includes preparing an emergency flood kit, charging mobile phones, and storing valuables up high to avoid damage.
The Met Office said: “It's never too late to take action and prepare for flooding. Follow these six simple steps to protect your home or business: Check the flood advice in your area to know when and where flooding will happen; Charge mobile phone devices; Park your car outside the flood zone; Prepare a flood kit to help you cope in the event of flooding to your home and business; Store valuables up high, including electrical devices, important documents and furniture; Turn off gas, water and electricity supplies.”
Safety instructions
If trapped in a building by floodwater, the Met Office advises: “Go to the highest level in the building you are in; Do not go into attic spaces to avoid being trapped by rising water; Only go to a roof if necessary; Call 999 and wait for help.”
Households should only switch off gas, water and electricity supplies if it is safe to do so, and should not touch an electrical switch while standing in water. The water stop tap is usually found inside the home where the water supply enters, or outside near the property boundary. The gas shut-off valve is next to the gas meter, and the mains electricity cut-off is on the fuse board with a large on/off switch.
National Grid guidance
The National Grid said: “If flood water is about to enter your property, turn off your electricity supply using the isolator switch or fuse unit. Only attempt this if it's safe to do so, and never take any unnecessary risks. You can speak to your insurer or a qualified electrician if you need further advice. Your meter could be inside your property or outside in a dedicated meter cabinet. Never touch any electrical appliances, cables, or equipment while standing in floodwater. Please don't touch any appliances, cables, or equipment that has been touched by floodwater, as they may not be safe.”
The 44 UK areas covered by the yellow weather warning for thunderstorms on Tuesday and at potential risk of flooding are: Derbyshire, Darlington, Durham, Gateshead, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Newcastle upon Tyne, North Tyneside, Northumberland, Redcar and Cleveland, South Tyneside, Stockton-on-Tees, Sunderland, Blackburn with Darwen, Blackpool, Cheshire East, Cheshire West and Chester, Cumbria, Greater Manchester, Halton, Lancashire, Merseyside, Warrington, Conwy, Denbighshire, Flintshire, Gwynedd, Isle of Anglesey, Wrexham, East Riding of Yorkshire, North Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, West Yorkshire, York, County Antrim, County Armagh, County Down, County Fermanagh, County Londonderry, County Tyrone, Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Moray and Angus.
