TL;DR
The Met Office has issued yellow thunderstorm warnings for parts of England as the heatwave breaks. Heavy rain, frequent lightning, large hail and surface water flooding are the four named hazards. Power cuts and travel disruption are likely in worst-affected areas.
The Met Office has issued yellow thunderstorm warnings for parts of England as the heatwave breaks. Heavy rain, frequent lightning, large hail and surface water flooding are the four named hazards in the warning text, with travel disruption and possible power cuts expected in the worst-affected areas.
Where the warnings apply
Yellow thunderstorm warnings cover a band running from south-west England across the Midlands and into eastern England. The warnings extend for a 12 to 24 hour period as the cooler air from the Atlantic clashes with the hot air mass that has sat over the UK during the heatwave.
The exact polygon of each warning is shown on the Met Office warnings map at weather.metoffice.gov.uk. Warnings can be upgraded to amber if observed conditions warrant a stronger alert level.
The four hazards explained
Heavy rain is the headline hazard, with totals of 30 to 50mm possible in localised areas. The Environment Agency monitors river and surface flooding through its Flood Information Service, which issues flood alerts and warnings separately from Met Office weather warnings.
Lightning, large hail and surface water flooding round out the named hazards. Hail can damage cars and skylights, and surface water flooding can affect roads and pavements within minutes of intense rainfall starting.
Travel disruption to expect
Surface water on roads can lead to standing water, aquaplaning and lane closures. National Highways may close motorway lanes where flooding becomes severe. Local authorities monitor and clear urban drains during heavy rainfall.
Trains can be affected by flooding on the track or by lightning strikes on signalling equipment. National Rail Enquiries on 03457 48 49 50 carries live disruption information, as do the train operators' apps.
Power cuts and what to do
Distribution network operators monitor the grid during severe weather and respond to faults caused by lightning strikes or fallen trees. Householders can report power cuts by dialling 105, the UK-wide power cut number.
The 105 service connects callers to the local network operator. Battery torches, a fully charged phone and a basic emergency kit can be useful if the cut lasts more than a few hours.
Practical preparation
Move garden furniture and loose items indoors where possible. Park cars in covered locations to avoid hail damage. Avoid sheltering under isolated trees during a thunderstorm, particularly in open ground.
Check the Environment Agency Flood Information Service for any flood alerts or warnings affecting your area at gov.uk's flood warnings page. Households in flood risk areas can sign up for free text alerts.
Key facts
- Yellow warnings cover a band across England.
- Heavy rain totals of 30 to 50mm in localised areas.
- Four named hazards: heavy rain, lightning, hail, flooding.
- Power cut hotline is 105.
- Environment Agency provides free flood text alerts.
FAQ
Which areas are covered by the thunderstorm warning?
A band running from south-west England across the Midlands and into eastern England. The exact polygon for each warning is shown on the Met Office warnings map.
What are the four hazards listed in the warning?
Heavy rain, frequent lightning, large hail and surface water flooding. Travel disruption and power cuts are likely in the worst-affected areas.
How do I report a power cut?
Dial 105, the UK-wide power cut number. The call connects to your local network operator. The 105 service is free from landlines and most mobiles.
How can I get flood warnings for my area?
Sign up to the Environment Agency Flood Information Service through gov.uk. The service provides free text alerts when flood warnings are issued for the registered postcode.
