Warning: Yellow
To expect: Thunderstorms
Affected area: Multiple, listed below
Start time estimate: Saturday 6pm
End time estimate: Sunday 4am
The Met Office has announced an updated Yellow thunderstorm warning for several regions across the UK for Saturday and Sunday.
The warning is covering parts of East Midlands, North East England, North West England, SW Scotland, Lothian Borders, Wales, West Midlands, Yorkshire and Humber. All local areas affected are listed below.
An updated Yellow weather warning is in effect from Saturday 6pm until Sunday 4am. The forecast suggests the regions concerned can expect to see frequent lightning strikes and torrential rain.
The updated Yellow alert for thunderstorms was announced at 11:35am on Friday, June 20.
A Met Office forecast said: “Whilst some showers and isolated thunderstorms are expected during Saturday afternoon, further and potentially intense thunderstorms are likely to develop during Saturday evening across northwest England and perhaps northeast Wales. Whilst there is still some uncertainty in when and where these develop, thunderstorms could produce a combination of frequent lightning, large hail, strong winds and heavy rain (in places, 30-40 mm in less than 2 hours) as they move northeast into northeast England and perhaps southeast Scotland overnight. Thunderstorms are expected to move offshore into the North Sea during the latter part of Saturday night.”
What to expect
Where lightning strikes occur, there is a chance of delays and some cancellations to train and bus services; Spray and sudden flooding could lead to difficult driving conditions and some temporary road closures; There is a small chance that some communities become cut off by flooded roads; 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 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 areas affected
East Midlands
Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire
North East England
Darlington, Durham, Gateshead, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Newcastle upon Tyne, North Tyneside, Northumberland, Redcar and Cleveland, South Tyneside, Stockton-on-Tees, Sunderland
North West England
Blackburn with Darwen, Blackpool, Cheshire East, Cheshire West and Chester, Cumbria, Greater Manchester, Halton, Lancashire, Merseyside, Warrington
SW Scotland, Lothian Borders
Scottish Borders
Wales
Conwy, Denbighshire, Flintshire, Wrexham
West Midlands
Staffordshire, Stoke-on-Trent
Yorkshire and Humber
East Riding of Yorkshire, Kingston upon Hull, North Lincolnshire, North Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, West Yorkshire, York
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 4am on Sunday.