UK households are being urged to unplug their landline and any non-essential appliances on Wednesday and Thursday and charge their phones as thunder and lightning storms slam across parts of the country.
Yellow weather warning issued
Forecasters have issued a yellow weather warning for thunderstorms from midday in parts of the UK, and from 7pm in other areas, lasting as late as 10am in England.
According to the Met Office, a total of 44 UK areas will be at risk of thunderstorms between Wednesday and Thursday, particularly the north of England, Wales, Northern Ireland and a few areas in Scotland.
As well as thunder, the weather brings the risk of flash flooding as heavy rain follows weeks of heatwaves, with rainfall sliding off hard soil, leading to floods.
Met Office advice for staying safe
The forecaster warned: “Heavy showers and thunderstorms are likely to develop over the area this afternoon. These showers will be slow moving bringing accumulations of 15-20mm in an hour in some places, with 30mm possible in a few hours. Lightning and hail will be additional hazards. The showers will ease during the evening.”
The Met Office has advice for those dealing with thunderstorms. The Met Office’s staying safe in lightning advice says: “When we issue a thunderstorm warning, we do this because the impacts can be very severe even if they are also very localised so likely to impact fewer people. It’s worth being aware of what you can do to stay safe if you find yourself in an impacted area.
“Telephone lines can conduct electricity so try to avoid using the landline, unless in an emergency.
“Lightning can cause power surges, unplug any non-essential appliances if not already using a surge protector.
“If outside avoid water and find a low-lying open place that is a safe distance from trees, poles or metal objects.
“If you find yourself in an exposed location it may be advisable to squat close to the ground, with hands on knees and with head tucked between them. Try to touch as little of the ground with your body as possible, do not lie down on the ground.
“If you feel your hair stand on end, drop to the above position immediately.”
