Warning: Yellow
To expect: Thunderstorms
Affected areas: London and South East England, South West England, Wales, West Midlands
Start time estimate: Wednesday 3pm
End time estimate: Wednesday 11pm
The Met Office has issued a Yellow thunderstorm warning for London and South East England, South West England, Wales and West Midlands across the UK until Wednesday night.
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 alert is in place on Wednesday, starting from around 3pm and running until 11pm. Forecasters expect frequent lightning strikes and heavy rain in the affected regions.
The Yellow warning for thunderstorms was announced at 1:18pm on Wednesday, May 27.
A Met Office forecast said: “After another hot day, thunderstorms are expected to develop across parts of Wales as well as some western and southwestern parts of England during this afternoon and through the evening. While many places will miss the worst conditions, where thunderstorms do occur they bring the potential for torrential downpours of rain, frequent lightning, large hail and strong, gusty winds.”
What to expect
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; Probably some damage to a few buildings and structures from lightning strikes; Some short term loss of power and other services is likely; Some flooding of a few homes and businesses possible, 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
London and South East England
Hampshire
South West England
Bath and North East Somerset, Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole, Bristol, Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Gloucestershire, North Somerset, Plymouth, Somerset, South Gloucestershire, Torbay, Wiltshire
Wales
Blaenau Gwent, Bridgend, Caerphilly, Cardiff, Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Conwy, Denbighshire, Gwynedd, Isle of Anglesey, Merthyr Tydfil, Monmouthshire, Neath Port Talbot, Newport, Pembrokeshire, Powys, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Swansea, Torfaen, Vale of Glamorgan, Wrexham
West Midlands
Herefordshire, Shropshire, 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 effect until 11pm on Wednesday.