Warning: Yellow
To expect: Thunderstorms
Affected areas: Northern Ireland
Start time estimate: Friday 10am
End time estimate: Friday 10pm
The Met Office has announced a Yellow thunderstorm warning for Northern Ireland until Friday night.
A Yellow weather warning is in place during Friday, starting from around 10am and running until 10pm. Forecasters say the affected region can expect to see frequent lightning strikes and heavy downpours.
The Yellow warning for thunderstorms was announced at 9:50am on Friday, June 26.
A Met Office forecast said: “Whilst many places will miss them, scattered thunderstorms may either arrive from the south or break out through the rest of this morning and more especially through this afternoon and early evening before decaying or clearing later this evening. The west of Northern Ireland is probably most at risk of seeing thunderstorms, but anywhere within the warning area may see some activity. Where thunderstorms do occur, heavy rain, large hail, gusty winds and frequent lightning are all possible, with 15-30 mm of rain falling in a short space of time in a few places.”
What to expect
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; 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.
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.
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 10pm on Friday.