Warning: Yellow
To expect: Thunderstorms
Affected areas: London and South East England, South West England, Wales, West Midlands
Start time estimate: Sunday 1pm
End time estimate: Sunday 5pm
The Met Office has issued a Yellow thunderstorm warning for London and South East England, South West England, Wales and West Midlands across the UK until early Sunday evening.
The warning is covering parts of London and South East England, South West England, Wales, West Midlands. All local areas affected are listed below.
A Yellow weather alert is in effect, running until Sunday 5pm. Forecasters say the impacted regions can expect to see frequent lightning strikes and torrential rain.
The Yellow warning for thunderstorms was issued at 1:08pm on Sunday, September 7.
A Met Office forecast said: “A band of heavy rain and thunderstorms will continue to move north across parts of western England and east Wales bringing 1-2 hours of torrential rain in places before clearing northwards. This will be accompanied by frequent lightning and a risk of hail. 20-30mm of rain is likely, with a few places perhaps seeing as much as 40mm which may lead to some travel disruption.”
What to expect
Spray and sudden flooding could lead to difficult driving conditions and some road closures; There is a small chance that some communities become cut off by flooded roads; Where flooding or lightning strikes occur, there is a chance of delays and some cancellations to train and bus services; There is a slight chance that power cuts could occur and other services to some homes and businesses could be lost; There is a small chance that homes and businesses could be flooded quickly, with damage to some buildings from floodwater, lightning strikes, hail or strong winds.
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
London and South East England
Oxfordshire
South West England
Bath and North East Somerset, Bristol, Dorset, Gloucestershire, North Somerset, Somerset, South Gloucestershire, Swindon, Wiltshire
Wales
Monmouthshire
West Midlands
Herefordshire, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Telford and Wrekin, Warwickshire, West Midlands Conurbation, Worcestershire
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 5pm on Sunday.