Warning: Yellow
To expect: Thunderstorms
Affected areas: East Midlands, East of England
Start time estimate: Tuesday 10pm
End time estimate: Wednesday 2am
The Met Office has issued a Yellow thunderstorm warning for East Midlands and East of England. All local areas affected are listed below.
A Yellow weather alert is set to start from Tuesday 10pm and extend until Wednesday 2am. Forecasters anticipate frequent lightning strikes and heavy downpours in the impacted regions.
The Yellow warning for thunderstorms was announced at 9:31pm on Tuesday, May 26.
A Met Office forecast said: “An area of thunderstorms is moving eastwards and will clear later this evening or during the early hours of Wednesday. Where storms occur, heavy rain and frequent lightning is expected and 20 to 30 mm of rain may fall in 30 to 60 minutes in some places. Storms may also be accompanied by hail and gusty winds in a few spots.”
What to expect
There is a small chance that homes and businesses could be flooded quickly, with damage to some buildings from floodwater, lightning strikes, hail or strong winds; There is a small chance of fast flowing or deep floodwater causing danger to life; Where flooding or lightning strikes occur, there is a chance of delays and some cancellations to train and bus services; There is a small chance that some communities become cut off by flooded roads; There is a slight chance that power cuts could occur and other services to some homes and businesses could be lost; Spray and sudden flooding could lead to difficult driving conditions and some road closures.
What should you do during intense thunderstorms?
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. 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
Lincolnshire
East of England
Cambridgeshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Norfolk, Peterborough, Suffolk
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 2am on Wednesday.