The Met Office has issued yellow weather warnings for thunderstorms over the next two days, prompting advice for households in affected areas to prepare for potential power cuts by stocking up on batteries.
The first warning, covering local authorities across the East Midlands, East of England, London & South East England, North West England, South West England, Wales, West Midlands, and Yorkshire & the Humber, comes into effect from 3am on Wednesday, August 26, and remains in place until 10pm that day. A second warning covering the same regions will be in place from 6am on Thursday, August 27, until 10pm the same day.
Risks of flooding and travel disruption
In both cases, the Met Office notes the risk of flooding, difficult driving conditions in affected areas, and travel disruption as a result of flooding or lightning strikes. For Thursday's warning, there is also a "small chance of fast flowing or deep floodwater causing danger to life."
The warnings also highlight a "slight chance" that power cuts could occur in affected areas, meaning "other services to some homes and businesses could be lost."
Met Office advice for power cuts
The national weather service has published five tips on its website for staying safe in a thunderstorm, including pointers for those at risk of a power cut. The Met Office says people cope better with power cuts "when they have prepared for them in advance."
Essentials that could help cope with a power cut include battery candles, torches and batteries, and a mobile phone power pack. In the event that power does go out, the Met Office advises switching off all electrical appliances that shouldn't be left unattended, ready for when the power comes back on, and leaving a light on so you know when the power cut has been fixed.
Other steps include checking to see if neighbours are safe and if they have a power cut too, noting that if they have power, the trip switch may have activated. If it's cold, wrapping up warm and closing internal doors can keep the heat in, and portable heaters are a good alternative if heating systems are down. The Met Office also advises calling 105 for information, a free service for people in England, Scotland and Wales.
Forecast and warnings update
Met Office Chief Forecaster Steve Willington said: "As we move into Wednesday there is a growing risk of heavy rain and thunderstorms, with warm and humid air helping to trigger heavy showers and thunderstorms. Some places could see significant amounts of rain falling in a short period of time, bringing the potential for localised flooding, travel disruption and frequent lightning."
He added: "On Thursday, slow-moving heavy and thundery rain may bring prolonged rainfall to some areas, increasing the risk of localised impacts. There remains some uncertainty around where the heaviest rain will fall, so it is important to keep up to date with the latest forecast and warnings."
The Met Office says unsettled conditions "may continue into Friday and the weekend, with further showers or longer spells of rain remain possible at times, alongside some drier and brighter periods." Warnings can change quickly, so people in affected areas are advised to stay up to date with the warnings for their area on the Met Office website.
