The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for 70 areas across the UK on Thursday, as thunderstorms bring lightning, hail up to 2cm wide, heavy rain and the potential for flooding that could endanger lives.
The warning is in force between 6am and 10pm on Thursday, covering regions from the East Midlands to Yorkshire and Wales. Forecasters warn that some places could see more than 75mm of rain within 12 hours, particularly over east-facing high ground, raising concerns about severe flooding.
What the warning says
The Met Office warning highlights that the severe weather could cause “damage to some buildings from floodwater, lightning strikes, hail or strong winds”. Commuters and motorists should expect travel disruption, with a potential “danger to life” from fast-flowing or deep floodwater and widespread road closures.
Essential services could also be affected. The warning states: “There is a slight chance that power cuts could occur and other services to some homes and businesses could be lost. There is a small chance that some communities become cut off by flooded roads.”
“Accumulations of 20-30 mm in three hours can be expected fairly widely and up to 50 mm in a 12 hour period can be expected in places. There is a small chance that some places may see more than 50 mm in three hours and more than 75 mm through 12 hours, especially over east facing high ground. Lightning and hail of 1-2 cm will also be hazards.”
Areas affected
The warning covers 70 areas, including the East Midlands (Derby, Derbyshire, Leicester, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, Rutland), East of England (Bedford, Cambridgeshire, Central Bedfordshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Luton, Norfolk, Peterborough, Suffolk), London and South East England (Buckinghamshire, Milton Keynes, Oxfordshire), North West England (Blackburn with Darwen, Cheshire East, Cheshire West and Chester, Greater Manchester, Halton, Lancashire, Merseyside, Warrington).
Also affected are South West England (Bristol, Gloucestershire, North Somerset, South Gloucestershire, Swindon, Wiltshire), Wales (all 22 counties from Blaenau Gwent to Wrexham), West Midlands (Herefordshire, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Stoke-on-Trent, Telford and Wrekin, Warwickshire, West Midlands Conurbation, Worcestershire) and Yorkshire and Humber (East Riding of Yorkshire, Kingston upon Hull, North East Lincolnshire, North Lincolnshire, North Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, West Yorkshire, York).
Preparation advice
Residents in vulnerable, flood-prone locations are encouraged to put together a flood plan and an emergency survival kit. Households are advised to prepare for potential blackouts by stocking up on torches, spare batteries and fully charged mobile phone power banks.
The Met Office also offered safety advice for anyone caught outside during a storm: “If you find yourself outside and hear thunder, protect yourself by finding a safe enclosed shelter (such as a car). Do not shelter under or near trees, or other structures which may be struck by lightning. If you are on an elevated area, move to lower ground.”
The Thursday warning follows a separate thunderstorm warning covering 59 areas on Wednesday, marking a chaotic mid-week washout for millions as the summer dry spell comes to a sudden end.
