Warning: Yellow
To expect: Thunderstorms
Affected area: Multiple, listed below
Start time estimate: Thursday midnight
End time estimate: Thursday 4am
The Met Office has issued a Yellow thunderstorm warning for several regions across the UK for Thursday.
The warning is covering parts of East Midlands, London and South East England, North West England, South West England, Wales, West Midlands. All local areas affected are listed below.
On Thursday, a Yellow weather alert is in place from midnight until 4am. The forecast suggests the regions concerned can expect to see frequent lightning strikes and heavy rain.
The Yellow warning for thunderstorms was announced at 11:52pm on Wednesday, May 27.
A Met Office forecast said: “Thunderstorms will continue to affect parts of England and Wales and are likely to become increasingly confined to northern and eastern parts of the warning area during the course of the early hours. While many places will miss the worst conditions, where thunderstorms do occur frequent lightning and heavy downpours are likely. Hail and strong, gusty winds may also affect a few places.”
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; Some short term loss of power and other services is likely; Probably some damage to a few buildings and structures from lightning strikes; Some flooding of a few homes and businesses likely, 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 areas affected
East Midlands
Derby, Derbyshire, Leicester, Leicestershire, Northamptonshire, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire
London and South East England
Buckinghamshire, Hampshire, Oxfordshire, Southampton, West Berkshire
North West England
Blackburn with Darwen, Cheshire East, Cheshire West and Chester, Greater Manchester, Halton, Lancashire, Merseyside, Warrington
South West England
Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole, Dorset, Gloucestershire, Swindon, Wiltshire
Wales
Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Conwy, Denbighshire, Flintshire, Gwynedd, Isle of Anglesey, Powys, Wrexham
West Midlands
Herefordshire, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Stoke-on-Trent, Telford and Wrekin, Warwickshire, West Midlands Conurbation, 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 4am on Thursday.