Warning: Yellow
To expect: Thunderstorms
Affected area: Multiple, listed below
Start time estimate: Wednesday noon
End time estimate: Wednesday 9pm
The Met Office has issued a Yellow thunderstorm warning for several regions across the UK until Wednesday night.
The warning is covering parts of East Midlands, East of England, London and South East England, South West England, Wales, West Midlands, Yorkshire and Humber. All local areas affected are listed below.
A Yellow weather warning is in effect during Wednesday, starting from around noon and running until 9pm. Forecasters say the affected regions can expect to see frequent lightning strikes and torrential rain.
The Yellow alert for thunderstorms was announced at 10:35am on Wednesday, September 3.
A Met Office forecast said: “Scattered heavy showers, some with thunder, are expected to develop later this morning and into the afternoon, before easing this evening. In the most active storms, hail, strong gusty winds, and lightning may be impactful. There is also a chance that a few spots could see frequent, heavy bursts of rain, leading to surface water flooding.”
What to expect
Probably some damage to a few buildings and structures from strong winds and/or lightning strikes; Some short term loss of power and other services is likely; There is a good chance 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 are possible; There is a small chance that a few properties could become flooded.
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
Derby, Derbyshire, Leicester, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, Rutland
East of England
Bedford, Cambridgeshire, Central Bedfordshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Luton, Norfolk, Peterborough, Southend-on-Sea, Suffolk, Thurrock
London and South East England
Bracknell Forest, Buckinghamshire, Greater London, Kent, Medway, Milton Keynes, Oxfordshire, Slough, Surrey, Windsor and Maidenhead, Wokingham
South West England
Gloucestershire
Wales
Blaenau Gwent, Caerphilly, Carmarthenshire, Merthyr Tydfil, Monmouthshire, Neath Port Talbot, Powys, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Swansea
West Midlands
Herefordshire, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Warwickshire, West Midlands Conurbation, Worcestershire
Yorkshire and Humber
East Riding of Yorkshire, North East Lincolnshire, North Lincolnshire, South Yorkshire
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 place until 9pm on Wednesday.