Warning: Yellow
To expect: Thunderstorms
Affected areas: London & South East England
Start time estimate: Wednesday 1pm
End time estimate: Wednesday 6pm
The Met Office has issued a Yellow thunderstorm warning for London & South East England until Wednesday evening.
Meteorologists warn that the region affected should prepare for frequent lightning strikes and torrential rain to last until Wednesday 6pm.
The Yellow warning for thunderstorms was issued at 1:52pm on Wednesday, July 23.
A Met Office forecast said: “Slow-moving heavy showers and thunderstorms will continue to affect parts of Kent and Sussex through Wednesday afternoon. Some places will miss these, but where they do occur 20-25 mm rain is likely in less than an hour with a chance of 30 to 40 mm falling in one to two hours in a few locations. This is likely to lead to some surface water flooding and disruption, whilst lightning strikes may be an additional hazard. Showers and thunderstorms will slowly die out during Wednesday evening.”
What to expect
There is a good chance driving conditions will be affected by spray and standing water, leading to longer journey times by car and bus; Delays to train services are possible; Some flooding of a few homes and businesses possible, leading to some damage to buildings or structures; A small chance of damage to a few buildings and structures from lightning strikes; A small chance of short term loss of power and other services.
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.
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 6pm on Wednesday.