The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for thunderstorms across 14 UK areas, urging households to prepare to turn off their gas, water and electricity supplies. The warning is in place from 5pm on Thursday until Friday morning, covering much of the east coast of England.
This follows a separate thunderstorm warning for 73 UK areas on Thursday, which was in effect from 5pm until 10pm. The national forecaster has warned that the storms, arriving after hot weather, could cause disruption including flooding, lightning strikes and power cuts.
Potential travel disruption and flooding
Spray and sudden flooding could make driving conditions difficult, potentially leading to road closures. Commuters have been warned of possible delays and cancellations to train and bus services.
Households are being advised to prepare for the adverse weather now and protect their property. The Met Office's advice for staying safe in a thunderstorm includes checking flood advice in the area, charging mobile phone devices, parking cars outside the flood zone, preparing a flood kit, storing valuables up high, and turning off gas, water and electricity supplies.
Safety instructions during flooding
If trapped in a building by floodwater, the Met Office advises going to the highest level, avoiding attic spaces to prevent being trapped by rising water, only going to a roof if necessary, and calling 999 for help.
Residents are reminded to only switch off gas, water and electricity supplies if it is safe to do so, and to avoid touching electrical switches while standing in water. The water stop tap is usually located where the water supply enters the home, the gas shut-off valve is typically next to the gas meter, and the mains electricity cut-off is on the fuse board.
National Grid guidance and affected areas
The National Grid advises turning off the electricity supply using the isolator switch or fuse unit if flood water is about to enter a property, but only if it is safe to do so. It also warns against touching any electrical appliances, cables, or equipment while standing in floodwater or that has been touched by floodwater.
The 14 areas covered by the yellow weather warning are Cambridgeshire, Essex, Norfolk, Peterborough, Southend-on-Sea, Suffolk, Thurrock, Kent, Medway, East Riding of Yorkshire, Kingston upon Hull, North East Lincolnshire, North Lincolnshire and Lincolnshire.
