The has issued several covering swathes of the UK on Saturday, . The yellow thunderstorm warnings state: "Frequent heavy showers and thunderstorms are expected for much of Saturday before fading from the west during the mid to late afternoon. 10-15 mm of rain could fall in less than an hour, whilst some places could see 30-40 mm of rain over several hours from successive showers and thunderstorms. Frequent lightning, hail and strong, gusty winds will be additional hazards."
The warning applies to the south of the UK with a weather map showing major cities like Bristol, London, Birmingham and Cardiff affected. The Met Office has warned that there will be possible disruptions to transport and infrastructure. Additionally, they have warned that there will "probably" be damage to buildings and structures due to lightening strikes as well as possible delays to train services in the region.
"Consider if your location is at risk of flash flooding. If so, consider preparing a flood plan and an emergency flood kit," the Met Office warns. "Give yourself the best chance of avoiding delays by checking road conditions if driving, or bus and train timetables, amending your travel plans if necessary.
"People cope better with power cuts when they have prepared for them in advance. It's easy to do; consider gathering torches and batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essential items."
They add: "If you find yourself outside and hear thunder, protect yourself by finding a safe enclosed shelter (such as a car). Do not shelter under or near trees, or other structures which may be struck by lightning. If you are on an elevated area move to lower ground."
The cities and major towns that are under the yellow weather warning include:
- Norwich
- Ipswich
- Halesworth
- Ely
- Cambridge
- Birmingham
- Coventry
- Worcester
- Hereford
- Huntington
- Bedford
- Luton
- Chelmsford
- St. Albans
- London
- Colchester
- Southend-on-Sea
- Canterbury
- Dover
- Ashford
- Maidstone
- Hastings
- Royal Tunbridge Wells
- Brighton
- Chichester
- Portsmouth
- Reading
- Oxford
- Winchester
- Salisbury
- Southampton
- Swindon
- Bath
- Gloucester
- Bristol
- Wells
- Cardiff
- Swansea
- Weymouth
- Exeter
- Plymouth
Areas in between these towns and cities are also being given a yellow weather warning, stretching from southeast Cornwall over to the west coast and from the south coast of England up as far as Birmingham.
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