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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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UK weather warnings

Yellow warning
Thunderstorm
07:00
Today
UTC+1
19:00
Today

Thunderstorms may lead to some disruption to travel and outdoor activities.

What should I expect?

  • There is a good chance driving conditions will be affected by spray, standing water and/or hail, leading to longer journey times by car and bus
  • Probably some damage to a few buildings and structures from lightning strikes
  • Some flooding of a few homes and businesses possible, leading to some damage to buildings or structures
  • Delays to train services are possible
  • Some short term loss of power and other services is likely

What should I do?

Further detail

Thunderstorms are expected to occur during Sunday, initially in the west of the region but spreading east through the morning. These will bring heavy rain, lightning and some hail. Within the warning area, 15-25 mm of rain is expected quite widely, much of this falling within two or three hours at any given place. Where repeated thunderstorms occur, locally higher peaks of 40-60 mm are possible.

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.

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 medium likelihood and a low impact.

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Last updated

Reason: The warning area has been extended further south and west to cater for the potential of more widespread thunderstorms through Sunday

Regions and local authorities affected:

East Midlands

  • Lincolnshire
  • Northamptonshire
  • Rutland

East of England

  • Bedford
  • Cambridgeshire
  • Central Bedfordshire
  • Essex
  • Hertfordshire
  • Luton
  • Norfolk
  • Peterborough
  • Southend-on-Sea
  • Suffolk
  • Thurrock

London & South East England

  • Buckinghamshire
  • East Sussex
  • Greater London
  • Kent
  • Medway
  • Milton Keynes
  • Slough
  • Surrey
  • West Sussex
  • Windsor and Maidenhead

Yorkshire & Humber

  • North East Lincolnshire
  • North Lincolnshire
Warnings are in force for:

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