Warning: Yellow
To expect: Thunderstorms
Affected areas: Central, Tayside and Fife, Grampian, Highlands and Eilean Siar
Start time estimate: Wednesday 1pm
End time estimate: Wednesday 9pm
The Met Office has issued an updated Yellow thunderstorm warning for several regions across the UK for Wednesday.
The warning is covering parts of Central, Tayside and Fife, Grampian, Highlands and Eilean Siar. All local areas affected are listed below.
An updated Yellow weather alert is set for Wednesday, starting from 1pm and continuing until 9pm. Forecasters anticipate frequent lightning strikes and heavy downpours in the impacted regions.
The updated Yellow warning for thunderstorms was announced at 9:42am on Wednesday, August 5.
A Met Office forecast said: “Heavy, slow-moving showers and some thunderstorms are likely to break out during Wednesday afternoon. Along with lightning, gusty winds and some hail, these will have the potential to give 15-25mm of rain in 1-2 hours and perhaps 40 mm in a few places over 3-6 hours. This may lead to localised flash flooding, and impacts to the transport network.”
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; Some flooding of a few homes and businesses possible, leading to some damage to buildings or structures; A small chance of some damage to a few buildings and structures from lightning strikes.
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
Central, Tayside and Fife
Angus, Perth and Kinross
Grampian
Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Moray
Highlands and Eilean Siar
Highland
What is an updated 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 effect until 9pm on Wednesday.