Warning: Yellow

To expect: Thunderstorms

Affected areas: Northern Ireland

Start time estimate: Tuesday noon

End time estimate: Tuesday 6pm

The Met Office has issued a Yellow thunderstorm warning for Northern Ireland until Tuesday evening.

Tuesday sees a Yellow weather warning in effect. Meteorologists warn that the region affected should prepare for frequent lightning strikes and heavy rain to arrive at around noon and endure until 6pm.

The Yellow alert for thunderstorms was issued at 9:32am on Tuesday, June 30.

A Met Office forecast said: “Following overnight rain, showers and thunderstorms are expected to develop across much of Northern Ireland. These showers and thunderstorms will become slow-moving for a time this afternoon, leading to the potential for some large rainfall accumulations to build up in a few places. 10-15 mm of rain likely in less than an hour for some, and perhaps 25-30 mm in 2-3 hours. This could cause some temporary flooding and difficult driving conditions. Hail and lightning will be additional hazards in the heaviest showers.”

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

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 6pm on Tuesday.