The Met Office has issued a yellow thunderstorm warning covering parts of South West England from 6pm until 11.59pm on Thursday, June 24. Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Plymouth, Somerset and Torbay are included in the warning area, with forecasters predicting heavy rain, hail, lightning and gusts of up to 60mph.
Why Unplug Appliances?
While power surges caused by lightning are relatively rare, experts warn they can cause significant damage to electrical appliances. The Met Office recommends unplugging any non-essential devices before storms arrive. It stated: "Lightning can cause power surges, unplug any non-essential appliances if not already using a surge protector."
Guidance for Staying Safe
The Met Office advises gathering torches, batteries, and a mobile phone power pack in case of a power cut. Before gusty winds arrive, secure moveable objects such as bins, garden furniture, trampolines, tents, gazebos, sheds, and fences.
Shelter and Lightning Safety
Seek shelter if possible, but avoid underground or low-lying spaces like car parks, basements or underpasses which might flood rapidly. Lightning can strike up to 10 miles from the centre of a storm. During a thunderstorm, avoid using landline telephones unless it is an emergency, as telephone lines can conduct electricity.
Outdoor Precautions
Anyone caught outdoors should stay away from water and move to a low-lying open area clear of trees, poles and metal objects. Avoid activities such as golf, fishing and boating until the storm passes. Keep away from items that can attract or conduct lightning, including umbrellas, bicycles, motorbikes, golf clubs, fishing rods, wheelchairs, mobility scooters, wire fencing and railway tracks. Those in tents should avoid metal poles.
If Caught in an Exposed Location
The Met Office says it may be advisable to squat low to the ground with hands on knees and head tucked between them, minimising contact with the ground. Do not lie flat. If your hair begins to stand on end, which can be a sign that a lightning strike is imminent, immediately adopt this position. Drivers caught out should wind up windows and stay inside their cars.
Recent Thunderstorm Impacts
Thunderstorms have already affected parts of southern England this week. The hot weather triggered lightning and heavy downpours early on Tuesday. The Met Office said Somerset recorded around 18,540 lightning strikes in a 24-hour period. The London Fire Brigade received approximately 400 calls overnight, including reports of two house fires believed to have been caused by lightning strikes, as well as flooding incidents.
Heatwave Context
The UK recorded its hottest June day on record on Wednesday, June 24, with provisional temperatures reaching 35.8C in Wiggonholt, West Sussex, according to the Met Office. A red warning for extreme heat is in force from 9am on Wednesday until 11.59pm on Thursday across large parts of England and Wales, including the East Midlands, East of England, London and South East England, South West England, Wales and the West Midlands.
