Warning: Yellow
To expect: Thunderstorms
Affected areas: East Midlands, North East England, Yorkshire and Humber
Start time estimate: Friday noon
End time estimate: Friday 9pm
The Met Office has issued an updated Yellow thunderstorm alert for several regions across the UK for Friday.
The warning is covering parts of East Midlands, North East England, Yorkshire and Humber. All local areas affected are listed below.
On Friday, an updated Yellow weather warning is in effect from noon until 9pm. The forecast suggests the regions concerned will experience frequent lightning strikes and heavy rain.
The updated Yellow alert for thunderstorms was issued at 10:48am on Thursday, July 17.
A Met Office forecast said: “Showers and thunderstorms will develop early on Friday afternoon, before becoming concentrated across parts of northeast England. 15-25 mm of rain is possible in less than an hour, and should storms become aligned across similar areas, 40-60 mm of rain is possible, with these higher totals most likely over East Yorkshire and the North York Moors. As well as rain, frequent lightning and large hail are possible. Storms will ease and clear into the North Sea Friday evening.”
What to expect
Some flooding of a few homes and businesses, leading to some damage to buildings or structures; Some damage to a few buildings and structures from lightning strikes; Driving conditions will be affected by spray, standing water and/or hail, leading to longer journey times by car and bus; Delays to train services; Some short term loss of power and other services.
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. 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
Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire
North East England
Darlington, Durham, Gateshead, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Newcastle upon Tyne, North Tyneside, Northumberland, Redcar and Cleveland, South Tyneside, Stockton-on-Tees, Sunderland
Yorkshire and Humber
East Riding of Yorkshire, Kingston upon Hull, North East Lincolnshire, 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 9pm on Friday.