Warning: Yellow
To expect: Thunderstorms
Affected areas: East of England, London and South East England
Start time estimate: Friday 8pm
End time estimate: Saturday 7am
The Met Office has issued an updated Yellow thunderstorm warning for East of England and London and South East England for Friday and Saturday. All local areas affected are listed below.
An updated Yellow weather alert is in place from Friday 8pm until Saturday 7am. The forecast suggests the regions concerned will experience frequent lightning strikes and torrential rain.
The updated Yellow warning for thunderstorms was issued at 11:48am on Wednesday, June 11.
A Met Office forecast said: “Thunderstorms are likely across parts of eastern and southeastern England from Friday evening through to the early hours of Saturday. Although many places within the warning area may not see any impacts, torrential downpours could bring 30-50mm of rain, with a chance of even greater accumulations in a few places. With much of the rain falling in a short space of time this brings the risk of surface water flooding. Large hail, strong and gusty winds, perhaps in excess of 40-50 mph for a short period of time, and frequent lightning will be additional hazards though again many places will not see this occur.”
What to expect
Flooding of homes and businesses could happen quickly, with damage to some buildings from floodwater, lightning strikes, hail or strong winds; Where flooding or lightning strikes occur, there is a chance of delays and some cancellations to train and bus services; Fast flowing or deep floodwater is possible, causing a danger to life; Some communities might become cut off if roads flood; Power cuts might 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?
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 regions affected
East of England
Cambridgeshire, Central Bedfordshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Luton, Norfolk, Southend-on-Sea, Suffolk, Thurrock
London and South East England
Bracknell Forest, Brighton and Hove, Buckinghamshire, East Sussex, Greater London, Hampshire, Kent, Medway, Portsmouth, Slough, Surrey, West Sussex, Windsor and Maidenhead, Wokingham
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 place until 7am on Saturday.