Warning: Yellow
To expect: Thunderstorms
Affected area: Multiple, listed below
Start time estimate: Saturday 8pm
End time estimate: Saturday 11pm
The Met Office has issued a Yellow thunderstorm warning for several regions across the UK Saturday night.
The warning is covering parts of East Midlands, East of England, London and South East England, North East England, West Midlands, Yorkshire and Humber. All local areas affected are listed below.
Meteorologists warn that the regions affected should prepare for frequent lightning strikes and heavy rain to persist until Saturday 11pm.
The Yellow alert for thunderstorms was announced at 8:13pm on Saturday, June 27.
A Met Office forecast said: “Today’s heat and humidity has resulted in the development of some thunderstorms, which will move rapidly northeastwards across central and eastern parts of England this evening. Most places will not be impacted, but where they occur brief periods of frequent lightning, strong gusty winds, large hail and heavy rain are possible. Thunderstorms are expected to clear the area later this evening, over the North Sea.”
What to expect
Some short term loss of power and other services is possible.; Some damage to a few buildings and structures from lightning strikes is possible, large hail and strong gusty winds could also damage temporary or vulnerable structures.; 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; There is a small chance of 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. 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.
Full list of local areas affected
East Midlands
Derby, Derbyshire, Leicester, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, Rutland
East of England
Bedford, Cambridgeshire, Central Bedfordshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Luton, Norfolk, Peterborough, Southend-on-Sea, Suffolk, Thurrock
London and South East England
Bracknell Forest, Brighton and Hove, Buckinghamshire, East Sussex, Greater London, Hampshire, Kent, Medway, Milton Keynes, Oxfordshire, Reading, Slough, Surrey, West Berkshire, West Sussex, Windsor and Maidenhead, Wokingham
North East England
Darlington, Durham, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Redcar and Cleveland, Stockton-on-Tees
West Midlands
Warwickshire
Yorkshire and Humber
East Riding of Yorkshire, Kingston upon Hull, North East Lincolnshire, North Lincolnshire, North Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, West Yorkshire, York
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 11pm on Saturday.