Met Office UK thunderstorm warning as 30 areas to be battered in weekend washout
Brits are on high alert as the Met Office issues a severe weather warning for thunderstorms set to unleash havoc across parts of the UK.
The forecast predicts marathon storms lasting up to seven hours, with fears of flooding and travel mayhem. Those in the South West along with some areas in Wales and the Midlands should brace themselves for a weekend washout.
A Met Office spokesperson cautioned: “Whilst not all places will see them, slow-moving heavy showers and thunderstorms may lead to some flooding and disruption in places.”
READ MORE: Met Office UK weather map warns where and when torrential rain will wreak chaos
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The yellow weather alert is active from today (Saturday), starting at 1pm and expected to last until the evening at 8pm.
(Image: metoffice)
The warning highlights the likelihood of scattered, slow-moving heavy showers and thunderstorms that could trigger flash floods and treacherous road conditions due to spray, reports the Mirror.
There’s also a risk that communities might be temporarily isolated by flooded roads, and lightning strikes could disrupt train and bus services.
In just an hour or two, some spots could be drenched with 20-30mm of rainfall, while there’s a slim chance that certain areas could be hit with 40-50mm if showers keep reoccurring, according to the Met Office.
(Image: Getty Images)
Areas under the warning include Swansea, Cardiff, Bath, Exeter, and Plymouth, with the warning spanning from 1pm to 8pm. Although the showers and thunderstorms are expected to ease off by Saturday evening, much of the country will remain dry throughout the day, the weather service added.
Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Bristol, Somerset, South Gloucestershire, Wiltshire and Torbay in South West England are also on alert.
Blaenau Gwent, Bridgend, Caerphilly, Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Gwynedd, Merthyr Tydfil, Monmouthshire, Neath Port Talbot, Newport, Powys, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Swansea, Torfaen and Vale of Glamorgan in Wales are as well.
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Herefordshire and Shropshire in the West Midlands are also expected to bit by severe weather.
The Met Office issued a stark warning on their website, stating: “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.
(Image: Getty Images)
“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.”
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