The Met Office has escalated its weather alerts, issuing a formal yellow warning for large swathes of southern England and Wales. The forecaster is urging the public to brace for a period of intense and disruptive weather, set to unfold from Tuesday afternoon.
The alert, active from 2pm Tuesday until 9pm the same evening, covers a significant portion of the South East, including London, the South West, and parts of Wales. Residents in these areas are being advised to prepare for potential flash flooding, difficult driving conditions, and possible disruption to public transport services.
What to Expect from the Incoming Storms
Weather experts predict the downpours will be relentless in some areas. The public should be aware of several key hazards:
- Spray and sudden flooding on roads, making journey times longer and driving conditions hazardous.
- A chance of homes and businesses being flooded quickly, with damage to some buildings.
- Where flooding or lightning strikes occur, there is a likelihood of delays or even cancellations to train and bus services.
- Power cuts are also a possibility, affecting homes and other vital services in the hardest-hit locations.
A Glimpse of What's to Come
A taste of the impending severe weather was captured on camera in Faversham, Kent, on Monday afternoon. The town was subjected to a dramatic, torrential downpour that turned streets into rivers, offering a stark visual warning of the system's potential strength as it moves across the country.
The Met Office's warning highlights that while not every location within the yellow area will experience the worst conditions, where these heavy thunderstorms do develop, they are likely to be volatile and impactful. Some locations could see an impressive 20-30 mm of rainfall in less than an hour, with a smaller chance of a few spots receiving up to 40-50 mm in a two-to-three-hour period.
Commuters and those with travel plans are strongly advised to check the latest forecasts and traffic reports before setting out on Tuesday afternoon and evening. Staying informed is the best defence against the unpredictable nature of these intense thunderstorms.
