May 20th 2024.
Earlier this month, thunderstorms wreaked havoc in the sky. If you're a resident of the UK, you're probably well-aware of what we're about to remind you: don't forget to bring your trusty umbrella tomorrow. The forecast for Scotland and Northern Ireland is looking quite intriguing, as the aurora borealis is expected to grace the skies with its stunning purple, lilac, and green lights once again.
But as they say, life is all about balance. Tomorrow's weather may not be as pleasant, with gloomy grey skies predicted to dominate as thunderstorms prepare to hit Britain. The Met Office has issued two yellow weather warnings for these storms, with some areas expected to receive up to 60mm of rain. According to the Met Office, a yellow alert indicates that the weather may cause "some low-level impacts."
When it comes to the potential impacts of tomorrow's thunderstorms, the main concerns will likely be travel disruption and flooding. So, where exactly can we expect these storms to hit? The South West of England, including Cornwall, Devon, and Plymouth, are under the first warning, which will be in effect from 12pm to 9pm. The Met Office states that "heavy showers and thunderstorms are expected to develop during the afternoon" in this region before gradually dissipating in the evening. However, not all areas will be affected, as the Met Office assures that "many places will miss the worst."
For those areas that do experience the storms, the rainfall is expected to be intense and slow-moving. In just one hour, there could be up to 300mm of rain, and in a worst-case scenario, up to 50mm could fall continuously for three hours. The Met Office also warns of possible lightning strikes and hail accompanying the thunderstorms.
These storms could cause disruptions in road and rail networks, delay buses, and even lead to power outages. In the event of flooding, homes and buildings may also be at risk. The second yellow weather warning is active for more than half of Northern Ireland from 8am to 9pm, with a "small chance" of fast-flowing or deep floodwater.
The Met Office predicts that "areas of rain, perhaps heavy, are likely to develop quite early on Tuesday" and could later turn into "slow-moving heavy showers and thunderstorms" during the late morning and afternoon. The good news is that these showers and storms should ease off by the evening. However, some regions may see as much as 60mm of rain in just an hour or two, with hail and lightning also being possible hazards.
If you live in an area under the yellow warnings, it's important to assess the vulnerability of your home to flash flooding. Additionally, if you find yourself outdoors and hear thunder, take cover in a safe shelter and avoid trees or other structures that could attract lightning strikes. Before heading out, make sure to check road conditions and train schedules, and consider packing a torch and a power bank for your phone in case of any power outages.
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