The Met Office has warned Britons to expect heavy thundery showers this afternoon, which could lead to flooding and power cuts. A yellow weather warning has been issued between noon and 9pm today.
The warning covers a swathe of southern and central England and parts of Wales, stretching from Swansea and Bath in the west, north-east over Birmingham, Oxford, Leicester, Peterborough and Norwich.
Flooding and Lightning Risks
Residents in these areas have been told to prepare for as much as 30 mm of rain in two to three hours, with hail and lightning as additional hazards. The Met Office warning stated: “Some flooding of a few homes and businesses likely, leading to some damage to buildings or structures,” adding: “Probably some damage to a few buildings and structures from lightning strikes”.
The forecaster also said delays to train services are possible, and some short-term loss of power and other services is “likely” for people living in the affected areas.
Advice for Affected Residents
“An area of heavy showers and thunderstorms will move across this region during the afternoon and early evening, affecting areas in the west first and moving progressively east towards evening with drier weather following,” residents were warned. “Some places could see 15-25 mm of rain in an hour, and 30 mm in two to three hours, with hail and lightning additional hazards.”
People in the affected areas have been advised to prepare a flood kit and gather items in advance in case of power cuts, such as torches and batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essential items.
Full List of Affected Regions and Local Authorities
East Midlands: Leicester, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire, Rutland
East of England: Bedford, Cambridgeshire, Central Bedfordshire, Norfolk, Peterborough, Suffolk
London & South East England: Buckinghamshire, Milton Keynes, Oxfordshire
South West England: Bath and North East Somerset, Bristol, Gloucestershire, North Somerset, Somerset, South Gloucestershire, Swindon, Wiltshire
Wales: Blaenau Gwent, Bridgend, Caerphilly, Cardiff, Carmarthenshire, Merthyr Tydfil, Monmouthshire, Neath Port Talbot, Newport, Powys, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Swansea, Torfaen, Vale of Glamorgan
West Midlands: Herefordshire, Staffordshire, Warwickshire, West Midlands Conurbation, Worcestershire
