Warning: Yellow
To expect: Thunderstorms
Affected areas: Central, Tayside and Fife, North East England, SW Scotland, Lothian Borders
Start time estimate: Wednesday noon
End time estimate: Wednesday 7pm
The Met Office has announced a Yellow thunderstorm warning for several regions across the UK until Wednesday evening.
The warning is covering parts of Central, Tayside and Fife, North East England, SW Scotland, Lothian Borders. All local areas affected are listed below.
On Wednesday, a Yellow weather alert is in effect from noon until 7pm. The forecast suggests the regions concerned can expect to see frequent lightning strikes and heavy downpours.
The Yellow warning for thunderstorms was announced at 9:56am on Wednesday, July 2.
A Met Office forecast said: “Heavy showers and some thunderstorms are expected to develop across parts of southeast Scotland and northeast England on Wednesday, clearing east into the North Sea later in the afternoon. Whilst some places may see relatively small amounts of rainfall, a few locations could see 15-20 mm of rain in an hour or less leading to some impacts from surface water flooding. Where several showers move over the same area, there is a chance of 20-30 mm falling in 2-3 hours. As the showers clear to the east strong winds may develop on the western flank with gusts of around 40 mph possible for a short period of time.”
What to expect
There is a good chance driving conditions will be affected by spray, standing water, 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; Possibly some flooding of a few homes and businesses leading to some damage to buildings or structures as well as 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. 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
Falkirk, Fife
North East England
Darlington, Durham, Gateshead, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Newcastle upon Tyne, North Tyneside, Northumberland, Redcar and Cleveland, South Tyneside, Stockton-on-Tees, Sunderland
SW Scotland, Lothian Borders
East Lothian, Edinburgh, Midlothian Council, Scottish Borders, West Lothian
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 7pm on Wednesday.