Warning: Yellow
To expect: Thunderstorms
Affected areas: London and South East England, South West England, Wales, West Midlands
Start time estimate: Friday 3pm
End time estimate: Saturday 12am
The Met Office has issued an updated Yellow thunderstorm alert for London and South East England, South West England, Wales and West Midlands across the UK for Friday and Saturday.
The warning is covering parts of London and South East England, South West England, Wales, West Midlands. All local areas affected are listed below.
An updated Yellow weather warning is in effect, starting from around Friday 3pm and running until Saturday 12am. Forecasters say the impacted regions can expect to see frequent lightning strikes and heavy downpours.
The updated Yellow alert for thunderstorms was announced at 11:24am on Thursday, June 12.
A Met Office forecast said: “Areas of heavy rain and some thunderstorms are likely to move northwards into southwest England and Wales on Friday afternoon and evening. Rainfall amounts and thunderstorm activity will vary across the area however there is the potential for 20 mm of rain to fall in an hour and 30-40 mm to fall in 3 hours or less in a few places. As well as this there is a small chance of frequent lightning and hail within the rain area as additional hazards.”
What to expect
Spray and sudden flooding could lead to difficult driving conditions and some road closures; There is a slight chance that power cuts could occur and other services to some homes and businesses could be lost; Where flooding or lightning strikes occur, there is a chance of delays and some cancellations to train and bus services; There is a small chance that some communities become cut off by flooded roads; There is a small chance that homes and businesses could be flooded quickly, with damage to some buildings from floodwater, lightning strikes, hail or strong winds.
What should you do during intense thunderstorms?
Consider if your location is at risk of flash flooding. If so, consider preparing a flood plan and an emergency flood kit. Prepare to protect your property and people from injury. Before gusty winds arrive, check to ensure moveable objects or temporary structures are well secured. Items include; bins, garden furniture, trampolines, tents, gazebos, sheds, and fences. Give yourself the best chance of avoiding delays by checking road conditions if driving, or bus and train timetables, amending your travel plans if necessary. People cope better with power cuts when they have prepared for them in advance. It’s easy to do; consider gathering torches and batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essential items. 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. Be prepared for weather warnings to change quickly: when a weather warning is issued, the Met Office recommends staying up to date with the weather forecast in your area. For further details see Met Office Warnings & Advice.
Full list of local regions affected
London and South East England
Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Oxfordshire, Reading, Southampton, West Berkshire, Wokingham
South West England
Bath and North East Somerset, Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole, Bristol, Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Gloucestershire, North Somerset, Plymouth, Somerset, South Gloucestershire, Swindon, Torbay, Wiltshire
Wales
Blaenau Gwent, Bridgend, Caerphilly, Cardiff, Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Conwy, Denbighshire, Flintshire, Gwynedd, Isle of Anglesey, Merthyr Tydfil, Monmouthshire, Neath Port Talbot, Newport, Pembrokeshire, Powys, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Swansea, Torfaen, Vale of Glamorgan, Wrexham
West Midlands
Herefordshire, Shropshire
What is an updated yellow weather warning?
The Met Office has three categories of weather warning, depending on the likely impact of severe weather and also how likely it is to strike in a particular area.
A yellow warning is issued when weather conditions are expected to disrupt travel and traffic and may impact on daily routines but are not likely to pose a risk to life or property.
An amber warning is more severe and advises people to think about changing their plans to minimise the risk.
A red warning means weather conditions are expected to be dangerous with widespread damage to property and a risk to life, with the public usually advised to avoid travelling.
The Yellow weather alert for thunderstorms will remain in place until 12am on Saturday.