Warning: Yellow

To expect: Thunderstorms

Affected areas: Northern Ireland

Start time estimate: Sunday 1pm

End time estimate: Sunday 9pm

The Met Office has announced a Yellow thunderstorm warning for Northern Ireland until Sunday night.

A Yellow weather warning is in effect on Sunday, starting from around 1pm and running until 9pm. Forecasters predict frequent lightning strikes and heavy rain in the affected region.

The Yellow warning for thunderstorms was announced at 10:43am on Sunday, July 20.

A Met Office forecast said: “Scattered heavy showers and a few thunderstorms are expected during Sunday. Rainfall amounts will vary from place to place but in some locations 20-40 mm is possible within a couple of hours. Heavy downpours of rain will be the primary hazard, but lightning strikes and hail are also possible.”

What to expect

Some flooding of a few homes and businesses likely, leading to some damage to buildings or structures; Probably some damage to a few buildings and structures from lightning strikes; 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; Some short term loss of power and other services is likely.

What should you do during intense thunderstorms?

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 during a lightning event, 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 9pm on Sunday.