Warning: Yellow
To expect: Thunderstorms
Affected areas: East of England, London and South East England, South West England
Start time estimate: Monday 5pm
End time estimate: Monday 9pm
The Met Office has announced a Yellow thunderstorm warning for several regions across the UK until Monday night.
The warning is covering parts of East of England, London and South East England, South West England. All local areas affected are listed below.
A Yellow weather warning is in effect, continuing until Monday 9pm. The forecast indicates frequent lightning strikes and heavy rain in the impacted regions.
The Yellow alert for thunderstorms was issued at 5:24pm on Monday, June 22.
A Met Office forecast said: “An area of thunderstorms moving east across the area will bring a spell of frequent lightning, gusty winds, torrential rain, and a few places, hail. The storms will be moving quickly reducing the potential for widespread large amounts of rain, but there is a few places could see 20-25 mm of rainfall in a short period in the most active storms, which could bring some brief flooding. The majority of impacts are likely to come from other hazards however, such as lightning striking buildings and causing power cuts, difficult driving conditions in heavy rain, and some localised damage to vulnerable structures by strong wind gusts or hail.”
What to expect
Possibly some damage to a few buildings and structures from lightning strikes or hail; 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; Some flooding of a few homes and businesses is possible.
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 of England
Hertfordshire
London and South East England
Bracknell Forest, Buckinghamshire, Hampshire, Oxfordshire, Reading, Slough, West Berkshire, Windsor and Maidenhead, Wokingham
South West England
Bath and North East Somerset, Bristol, Gloucestershire, North Somerset, Somerset, South Gloucestershire, Swindon, Wiltshire
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 Monday.