UK weather: Met Office warns of heavy rain & ‘sudden flooding’ as 7-hour thunderstorm alert issued today
THE Met Office is warning heavy rain and sudden flooding could hit in a seven-hour thunderstorm alert issued today.
The yellow warning blankets much of the south-west on Saturday after weeks of sunny warm weather comes to a halt.
Between 1pm and 8pm Brits can expect “heavy showers and thunderstorms”, say the Met Office.
Most of Wales will be impacted by severe downpours as well as thunder and lightning.
Bath, Exeter, Plymouth and Brixham – where locals are currently dealing with contaminated water issues – are also set to be affected.
Fears of flooding are mounting as the weather service issues tips for staying safe in storms.
Much of those on the coast should prepare for “quick floods and damaged from floodwater”.
Anyone planning on travelling via train or bus can expect delays as lightning strikes hit this afternoon.
The Met Office added: “Spray and sudden flooding could lead to difficult driving conditions and some road closures.
“There is a small chance that some communities are temporarily cut off by flooded roads.”
Five tips on how to stay safe in a storm
THE Met Office has issued advice on how to stay safe in thunderstorms.
Could your property be at risk of flooding?
Follow this three-point plan to check and be prepared:
- Check if your property is at risk
If you are at risk, take the next two steps to protect your property when you need to:
- Prepare a flood plan
- Prepare an emergency flood kit
Staying safe in flooding
It’s never too late to take action and prepare for flooding. Follow these 6 simple steps to protect your home or business:
- Check the flood advice in your area to know when and where flooding will happen
- Charge mobile phone devices
- Park your car outside the flood zone
- Prepare a flood kit to help you cope in the event of flooding to your home and business
- Store valuables up high, including electrical devices, important documents and furniture
- Turn off gas water and electricity supplies
If you are trapped in a building by floodwater, follow these simple instructions to keep you and your family safe:
- Go to the highest level in the building you are in
- Do not go into attic spaces to avoid being trapped by rising water
- Only go to a roof if necessary
- Call 999 and wait for help
Is it safe for you to drive?
It is safer not to drive in thunderstorms but if you must drive you can do this more safely by:
- Slowing down
- Using main roads
- Using dipped headlights
- Giving yourself more time to react on slippery surfaces
- Keeping a bigger gap between vehicles
What you can do in a powercut
People cope better with power cuts when they have prepared for them in advance and it’s easy to do. The essentials that could help you cope with a power cut are:
- Candles and matches or lighters
- Torches and batteries
- A mobile phone power pack
If your power goes out these simple steps can help you deal with the situation:
- Switch off all electrical appliances that shouldn’t be left unattended, ready for when the power comes back on
- Leave a light on, so you know when the power cut has been fixed
- Check to see if your neighbours are safe and if they have a power cut too. If they have power, your trip switch may have activated
- If it’s cold, wrap up warm and close internal doors to keep the heat in
- Portable heaters are a good alternative if heating systems are down
- Call 105 for information, it’s a free service for people in England, Scotland and Wales
Protecting your property from damage and other people from injury
Don’t risk injury to others or damage to your property. Check for loose items outside your home and plan how you could secure them in high winds.
Items include:
- Bins
- Plant pots
- Garden furniture (bring inside or secure in place)
- Trampolines (turn upside down or secure with tent pegs)
- Sheds (ensure doors are locked)
Don’t go outside to repair any damage during the storm.