Warning: Yellow
To expect: Thunderstorms
Affected areas: South West England, Wales, West Midlands
Start time estimate: Saturday 7pm
End time estimate: Sunday 11pm
The Met Office has announced a Yellow thunderstorm warning for several regions across the UK for Saturday and Sunday.
The warning is covering parts of South West England, Wales, West Midlands. All local areas affected are listed below.
A Yellow weather alert is set to start from Saturday 7pm and run until Sunday 11pm. Forecasters anticipate frequent lightning strikes and torrential rain in the impacted regions.
The Yellow warning for thunderstorms was announced at 11:55am on Friday, July 18.
A Met Office forecast said: “Scattered heavy showers and thunderstorms are expected to develop during the course of Sunday. Rainfall amounts will vary from place to place but in some locations 20-40 mm is possible within a couple of hours. Heavy downpours of rain will be the primary hazard, but lightning strikes are also likely along with the potential for hail and gusty winds.”
What to expect
Spray and sudden flooding could lead to difficult driving conditions and some road closures; 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; Where flooding or lightning strikes occur, there is a chance of delays and some cancellations to train and bus services; There is a slight chance that power cuts could occur and other services to some homes and businesses could be lost.
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
South West England
Bath and North East Somerset, Bristol, Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Gloucestershire, Isles of Scilly, North Somerset, Plymouth, Somerset, South Gloucestershire, 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, Worcestershire
What is a 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 effect until 11pm on Sunday.