The Met Office has extended its yellow weather warning for rain after the UK experienced a barrage of severe weather conditions in the past 24 hours, including an alarming 13,000 lightning strikes. The warning urges Brits to be prepared for the impact of ongoing stormy weather. The weather alert follows a period of relentless rain, hail, and thunder across the country.
As the stormy conditions persist, the Met Office has issued additional weather warnings for torrential rain, advising the public to brace for potential flooding and power outages. The ‘yellow’ alert extension focuses on areas such as Wales, central, and southern England. London, Birmingham, and Manchester are included in the affected regions, with the strongest signal for heavy rainfall predicted in east Wales and west-central England.
Some areas may experience between 40-70 mm of rain within two to three hours, with others expecting 80-100 mm throughout the day. The severe weather, fuelled by a low-pressure system, is considered to have a ‘low likelihood and medium impact’ and is forecasted to persist until midnight on Monday. BBC meteorologist Simon King reported the staggering 13,000 lightning strikes over the past day and warned of more thunderstorms on the horizon.
In response to the inclement weather, the Met Office advises residents to assess their flood risk, prepare emergency flood plans, and create essential flood kits. Additionally, the public is urged to check road conditions, adjust travel plans, and anticipate rapid changes in weather warnings. Taking proactive measures such as gathering torches, batteries, and other essentials can help individuals cope with potential power cuts.
The Met Office has published a list of regions affected by the storm, encompassing areas across Wales, East Midlands, East of England, London & South East England, North West England, South West England, West Midlands, Yorkshire & Humber, and more. Britons are advised to stay informed about weather updates and take necessary precautions to mitigate the impact of the ongoing severe weather conditions.