The Met Office has issued a new yellow warning for thunderstorms covering 31 areas across the UK for the entirety of Friday. The warning, which runs from midnight to 11:59 PM, warns of potential hail, lightning, and heavy rain that could cause disruption.
Areas Affected
The warning covers a broad swath of England and Wales, including major cities such as London, Birmingham, Manchester, and Cardiff. The full list of 31 areas includes: East Midlands, East of England, London & South East England, North East England, North West England, South West England, Wales, West Midlands, and Yorkshire & Humber.
Expected Impacts
According to the Met Office, residents should expect sudden downpours, hail, and lightning strikes. Travel disruptions are likely, with possible delays to train and bus services. Spray and sudden flooding could lead to difficult driving conditions and some road closures. Power cuts may occur in a few places.
“Hail may batter the area,” a Met Office spokesperson said, emphasizing the risk of large hailstones damaging property and vehicles.
Previous Warnings
This warning follows a similar alert issued earlier this week for heavy rain on Tuesday, which named 25 areas at risk. The Met Office continues to monitor the unsettled weather pattern affecting the UK.
