Warning: Yellow
To expect: Thunderstorms
Affected areas: North East England, North West England, Yorkshire and Humber
Start time estimate: Friday 2pm
End time estimate: Friday 9pm
The Met Office has issued a Yellow thunderstorm warning for several regions across the UK until Friday night.
The warning is covering parts of North East England, North West England, Yorkshire and Humber. All local areas affected are listed below.
A Yellow weather warning is in effect on Friday, starting from around 2pm and running until 9pm. The forecast indicates frequent lightning strikes and heavy downpours in the impacted regions.
The Yellow alert for thunderstorms was issued at 9:46am on Friday, June 26.
A Met Office forecast said: “Whilst most places will miss them, scattered thunderstorms may break out this afternoon and early evening. Where storms do occur, heavy rain, large hail, gusty winds and frequent lightning are all possible with 15 to 30 mm rain falling in a short space of time in a few places.”
What to expect
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; Spray and sudden flooding could lead to difficult driving conditions and some road closures; 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?
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. Consider if your location is at risk of flash flooding. If so, consider preparing a flood plan and an emergency flood kit. 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
North East England
Darlington, Durham, Gateshead, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Newcastle upon Tyne, North Tyneside, Northumberland, Redcar and Cleveland, South Tyneside, Stockton-on-Tees, Sunderland
North West England
Cumbria
Yorkshire and Humber
East Riding of Yorkshire, North Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, West Yorkshire, York
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 9pm on Friday.