Warning: Yellow
To expect: Thunderstorms
Affected areas: London and South East England, South West England, Wales, West Midlands
Start time estimate: Sunday 9am
End time estimate: Sunday 1pm
The Met Office has announced a Yellow thunderstorm warning for London and South East England, South West England, Wales and West Midlands across the UK until Sunday afternoon.
The warning is covering parts of London and South East England, South West England, Wales, West Midlands. All local areas affected are listed below.
A Yellow weather warning is in effect until Sunday 1pm. The forecast suggests the regions concerned will experience frequent lightning strikes and heavy rain.
The Yellow alert for thunderstorms was issued at 9:02am on Sunday, September 7.
A Met Office forecast said: “A band of heavy rain and thunderstorms will move north across the area giving one to hours of intense rain before clearing northwards. Some places could receive 30-40mm of rain in this time, along with a risk of frequent lightning and hail.”
What to expect
Spray and sudden flooding could lead to difficult driving conditions and some 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; 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 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, Oxfordshire
South West England
Bath and North East Somerset, Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole, Bristol, Devon, Dorset, Gloucestershire, North Somerset, Somerset, South Gloucestershire, Swindon, Wiltshire
Wales
Cardiff, Monmouthshire, Newport, Torfaen
West Midlands
Herefordshire, Warwickshire, 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 place until 1pm on Sunday.