The Environment Agency has issued 16 flood alerts as one month's rainfall is forecast to batter parts of the UK. Weather maps show thunderstorms are set to sweep over most of Yorkshire, the Midlands, parts of East Anglia and the whole of Wales, with a yellow warning in place for those regions from 6am to 10pm tomorrow. Parts of the Southeast of England, including London, will also fall under the same weather warning from 2am to 8am tomorrow.
Risk of flooding and disruption
The weather conditions could lead to some disruption, with some homes and businesses at risk of flooding. A similar yellow thunderstorm warning remains in place for many of the same regions, including London, but missing out central and southern Wales until 10pm today.
The thunderstorms are expected to dump between 20mm and 30mm of rainfall in three hours, and could result in as much as 50mm in a 12-hour period in places. There is even a small chance that some areas could see more than 75mm over 12 hours, according to the Met Office.
Emergency flood kits urged
The heavy rain could trigger flooding, with people also being told to prepare an "emergency flood kit." An emergency flood kit includes non-perishable food, bottled water, a first aid kit, a torch, spare batteries, and a fully charged mobile phone with a portable power bank.
The majority of the flood alerts, issued today with the grim forecast looming, concern waterways in the Midlands. Birmingham, for instance, typically sees 68mm of rain in August, according to the Met Office, but in its alert the forecaster warned as much as 75mm could fall over the course of 12 hours. Nottingham, which also falls under the yellow thunderstorm warning, typically sees about 64mm of rain in August, though it too could see more than the monthly amount fall. Manchester, much known for its regular rain, typically sees 80mm being dumped on the city, though it too could see a similar amount fall in a single day.
Full list of flood alerts
The 16 flood alerts are: Aldingbourne and Barnham Rifes; Hastings Blacklands; Hollington Stream; Loughborough urban watercourses and local tributaries to the River Soar; Polegate and Wannock; River Blythe in Warwickshire; River Cole; River Leen, Day Brook and Tottle Brook in Nottinghamshire; River Maun in Nottinghamshire; River Rea; River Stour and Smestow Brook in the Black Country and South Staffordshire; River Trent Tributaries in Nottinghamshire; Scrase Bridge and West Common Streams; Tributaries in Leicester City; Upper Tame; and Upper Tame at Sandwell Valley.
The Met Office has also warned there is a risk of lightning strikes, hail and power cuts, and people in the warning area are urged to consider preparing for the extreme weather. The Met Office added people should prepare for delays, power cuts, and objects coming loose in the wind that could cause harm or damage.
It said: "Prepare to protect your property and people from injury. Before gusty winds arrive, check to ensure moveable objects or temporary structures are well secured. Items include: bins, garden furniture, trampolines, tents, gazebos, sheds, and fences.
"Give yourself the best chance of avoiding delays by checking road conditions if driving, or bus and train timetables, amending your travel plans if necessary. People cope better with power cuts when they have prepared for them in advance. It's easy to do; consider gathering torches and batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essential items."
