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UK weather warnings

Warning details for UK

Yellow warning
Thunderstorm
17:00
Today
UTC+1
03:00
Tomorrow

Regions and local authorities affected:

East Midlands

North East England

North West England

SW Scotland, Lothian Borders

Wales

West Midlands

Yorkshire & Humber

Headline

Thunderstorms may cause some impacts in places on Saturday evening and night

What should I expect?

  • 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
  • Spray and sudden flooding could lead to difficult driving conditions and some temporary 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
  • Where lightning strikes occur, there is a chance of delays and some cancellations to train and bus services

Further detail

Whilst some showers and isolated thunderstorms are expected during Saturday afternoon, further and potentially intense thunderstorms are likely to develop during Saturday evening across northwest England and perhaps northeast Wales. Whilst there is still some uncertainty in when and where these develop, thunderstorms could produce a combination of frequent lightning, large hail, strong winds and heavy rain (in places, 30-40 mm in less than 2 hours) as they move northeast into northeast England and perhaps southeast Scotland overnight. Thunderstorms are expected to move offshore into the North Sea during the latter part of Saturday night.

What Should I Do?

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.

Why is the warning yellow?

This warning has a very low likelihood and a medium impact.

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Very low
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Last updated

Reason: Warning area has been extended into southeast Scotland whilst parts of East Midlands have been removed. The warning start time has been delayed slightly and end time an hour earlier.

What do the warning colours mean?

Red warning

  • Dangerous weather is expected and, if you have not done so already, you should take action now to keep yourself and others safe from the impact of the severe weather.
  • It is very likely that there will be a risk to life, with substantial disruption to travel, energy supplies and possibly widespread damage to property and infrastructure.

Amber warning

  • There is an increased likelihood of impacts from severe weather, which could potentially disrupt your plans.
  • This means there is the possibility of travel delays, road and rail closures, power cuts and the potential risk to life and property.

Yellow warning

  • Yellow warnings can be issued for a range of weather situations.
  • It is important to read the content of yellow warnings to determine which weather situation is being covered by the warning.

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