Met Office weather forecasters are urging Brits in the warning zone to think ahead as those living in 51 areas might want to consider making an emergency kit
Brits have been told to brace for chaos today as the Met Office issues a thunderstorm alert across 51 areas – warning people may want to have emergency kits at the ready.
The yellow weather warning, which lasts until 8pm, predicts violent downpours, flooding, lightning strikes and heavy gusts powerful enough to damage buildings. Roads could become submerged in water, trains be brought to a standstill and communities plunged into darkness by power cuts.
Forecasters are urging those in the danger zone to think ahead and prepare. Anyone living in areas prone to flash flooding should consider drawing up a flood plan and putting together an emergency kit. Brits are advised to prepare by gathering torches, batteries, and a mobile phone power pack.
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The warning stretches across swathes of the South, Midlands, Wales and the North. Greater London, Essex, Hertfordshire, Luton and Southend are among the areas affected in the South. Other areas in the firing line include Gloucestershire, Nottingham, Derby, Leicester and Leicester. In Wales, Swansea and Powys have been named, while parts of Yorkshire are also on alert.
The Met Office says storms are likely to erupt suddenly, with some places seeing little more than a shower while others are hit by torrential rain and hail. Driving conditions could become dangerous, with spray and standing water making roads hazardous and bus journeys taking far longer than expected.
The forecaster warned: “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.”
Advanced weather modelling maps by WXCharts show rain battering several parts of the UK today, with the Midlands and Scotland predicted to face heavy downpours.
Regions and local authorities affected by the warning
East Midlands
- Derby
- Derbyshire
- Leicester
- Leicestershire
- Lincolnshire
- Northamptonshire
- Nottingham
- Nottinghamshire
- Rutland
East of England
- Bedford
- Cambridgeshire
- Central Bedfordshire
- Essex
- Hertfordshire
- Luton
- Norfolk
- Peterborough
- Southend-on-Sea
- Suffolk
- Thurrock
London & South East England
- Bracknell Forest
- Buckinghamshire
- Greater London
- Kent
- Medway
- Milton Keynes
- Oxfordshire
- Slough
- Surrey
- Windsor and Maidenhead
- Wokingham
South West England
Wales
- Blaenau Gwent
- Caerphilly
- Carmarthenshire
- Merthyr Tydfil
- Monmouthshire
- Neath Port Talbot
- Powys
- Rhondda Cynon Taf
- Swansea
West Midlands
- Herefordshire
- Shropshire
- Staffordshire
- Warwickshire
- West Midlands Conurbation
- Worcestershire
Yorkshire & Humber
- East Riding of Yorkshire
- North East Lincolnshire
- North Lincolnshire
- South Yorkshire