Large parts of England and Wales are bracing for severe weather, with gusty winds, heavy rain, and frequent lightning as the Met Office issues thunderstorm warnings.
The first of three weather warnings is in effect from 12pm to 8pm on Friday, covering areas from the West Midlands to the South East, including the South West and much of Wales, such as Cardiff and Swansea.
The Met Office has warned that lightning strikes during these storms could potentially damage buildings. Up to 40mm (1.5 inches) of rain could fall within three hours, leading to hazardous driving conditions due to spray, standing water, and hail. Power cuts and delays to train services are also likely.
"A few thundery showers may appear in southern and southeast England early on Friday, but they are expected to spread more widely within the warning area by midday," said the Met Office. "While some areas may stay dry, where thundery showers occur, they will bring frequent lightning, gusty winds, potentially large hail, and brief periods of heavy rain."
A second warning is in place for Saturday, lasting 23 hours from 1am to midnight. This covers a larger area, including all of Wales, as well as cities like Liverpool, Stoke-on-Trent, Leicester, and Cornwall.
Thunderstorms and heavy showers are expected to cause further disruption, with hail and frequent lightning accompanying the most intense storms, particularly on Saturday afternoon and evening in the Midlands, southern England, and east Wales. The Met Office has warned of possible flash flooding, posing a danger to life, and there is a chance that some communities could be cut off by flooded roads.
On Sunday, a yellow warning for rain will affect parts of the East Midlands, East of England, London and the South East, northwest England, southwest England, Wales, and the West Midlands. The Met Office has cautioned that "significant" delays or cancellations to train and bus services, along with flooding and difficult driving conditions, could be expected. Photo by gerlos (original picture), modification: Mielon, Wikimedia commons.
