Thunderstorms expected for another two days

Photo: Tony Munro

Take care when travelling in heavy rain, wind and thunderstorms. (Pictured: lightning above Heywood, June 2018)

Thunderstorms are expected to continue for another two days, as the Met Office has issued two yellow weather warnings.

Tuesday’s warning (16 June) is in place from 1.30pm, covering most of the west coast of the UK, plus the Midlands, whilst thunderstorms are expected to cover most of the UK on Wednesday (17 June).

The Met Office says: “Slow-moving heavy showers and thunderstorms will break out across many parts of the UK again on Wednesday afternoon. Some places will miss them, but where they do occur they will bring torrential downpours with 25 to 35 mm rain falling in an hour and perhaps 50 mm in 2 to 3 hours in one or two places. Lightning and hail will be additional hazards. These showers and thunderstorms will only slowly die out through the evening.”

The weather warnings are in place until 9pm on Wednesday.

What to expect

• 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
• There is a small chance of fast flowing or deep floodwater causing danger to life
• Where flooding or lightning strikes occur, there is a chance of delays and some cancellations to train and bus services
• 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
• There is a slight chance that power cuts could occur and other services to some homes and businesses could be lost

What should I do?

• Stay safe in thunder and lightning: www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/warnings-and-advice/seasonal-advice/health-wellbeing/stay-safe-in-thunder-and-lightning
• Travelling in storms, rain and strong wind: www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/warnings-and-advice/seasonal-advice/travel/travelling-in-storms-rain-and-wind