Warning: Yellow
To expect: Thunderstorms
Affected areas: East of England, London and South East England
Start time estimate: Saturday 2am
End time estimate: Saturday 8am
The Met Office has issued a Yellow thunderstorm warning for East of England and London and South East England until Saturday morning. All local areas affected are listed below.
A Yellow weather warning is in place, running until Saturday 8am. Forecasters say the impacted regions can expect to see frequent lightning strikes and torrential rain.
The Yellow alert for thunderstorms was issued at 2:05am on Saturday, June 27.
A Met Office forecast said: “Further thunderstorms are expected to affect southeast England and parts of East Anglia through Saturday morning. Whilst many places will see little rainfall, a few places may see 15-20 mm in an hour or less. Frequent lightning and perhaps hail and gusty winds in places will accompany these thunderstorms, particularly across Kent and East Sussex.”
What to expect
Probably some damage to a few buildings and structures from lightning strikes; Delays to train services are possible; 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; A chance of some flooding of a few homes and businesses, leading to some damage to buildings or structures.
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 regions affected
East of England
Essex, Norfolk, Southend-on-Sea, Suffolk, Thurrock
London and South East England
Brighton and Hove, East Sussex, Kent, Medway
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 8am on Saturday.