UK weather warnings

Some heavy showers and thunderstorms are likely this afternoon, lasting into this evening. Locally, 15-20 mm of rain could fall in less than an hour, with some places potentially seeing up to 30 mm in a few hours. Lightning will be an additional hazard, with a lower chance of some hail in places. Showers and thunderstorms will die out this evening. 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.

An area of heavy rain is expected to move west across parts of England and then into Wales during today. There remains some uncertainty as to how far north or south this band of rain will be, but there is a small chance that it will become slow-moving over parts of the West Midlands and northwest England, as well as into Wales later this afternoon and early evening. Should this happen then some places could see 40-60 mm of rain falling in 3-6 hours.. What should I do? Check if your property could be at risk of 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. 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