October 7th 2024.
A yellow weather warning has been issued for storms in the south of the UK, with the potential for heavy rainfall and flooding. The Met Office has warned that the evening commute home could be particularly affected, with some areas expected to see 20-30 mm of rain within just two to three hours. In some places, the rainfall may be even more extreme, with up to 40 mm possible. The main areas at risk are coastal districts, and the heavy showers and thunderstorms may also be accompanied by hail and strong gusts of wind.
The warning, which will be in effect from 4pm until midnight, advises that driving conditions may be hazardous due to spray and standing water on the roads. Flooding of homes and businesses is also a possibility, and there may be power outages in London, the South East, the South West, and Wales. According to the forecast, the heavy showers and thunderstorms will move northwards across southern parts of England and Wales later on Monday, clearing overnight.
This warning may have come as a surprise to many, as it was only issued at 9:30am, after most people had already left for work and may not have been prepared for such extreme weather. The Met Office tweeted out the warning, along with a link for more information and a reminder to stay #WeatherAware.
Last week, people were warned about the potential for unsettled conditions as ex-hurricane Kirk approached, but it now seems that the storm's path is tracking more towards France than the UK. However, it's not just raincoats that people need to worry about today, as the storms could be severe enough to cause flooding. The government has issued four red alerts, indicating that flooding is expected and immediate action should be taken.
One of these alerts is near the River Nene in the Peterborough area, where a flood storage reservoir is already in use and the B1040 road is likely to be cut off by water. Flooding is also expected on the River Ray in Islip, Oxfordshire. Dozens more flood alerts have been issued for the coming days, and people are urged to check if their area is at risk and take necessary precautions, such as moving valuables to higher ground.
The Met Office also advises gathering essential items such as torches, batteries, and a mobile phone power pack in case of power outages. If you find yourself outside during a thunderstorm, it's important to find a safe shelter and avoid trees and other structures that could be struck by lightning. If you're on higher ground, move to lower ground as a precaution.
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