THE Met Office has issued a “danger to life” warning for today – as thunderstorms and floods spark rush-hour chaos.
A yellow thunderstorm warning will be in force for most of Scotland from 10am until 7pm.
Jordan CrosbyShoppers in Wynyard, County Durham wade home through floodwater at the weekend[/caption]
Met OfficeMore wet weather is store after the Met Office issued a fresh thunderstorm warning[/caption]
Heavy showers and thunderstorms are expected, with some travel disruption and flooding possible.
Spray and sudden floods could lead to difficult driving conditions and some road closures.
South of the border, Northern train services between Carlisle and Leeds have been disrupted by a landslide.
Where flooding or lightning strikes occur, there is a chance of delays and some cancellations to train and bus services.
Power cuts could occur and other services to some homes and businesses could be lost.
Buildings could be damaged by floodwater, lightning strikes, hail or strong winds.
Fast-flowing or deep floodwater could pose a “danger to life”, forecasters said.
Around 30-40mm of rain could fall in some parts of the warning zone.
Met Office forecaster Dan Stroud said: “The rainfall is likely to lead to issues on roads with surface water, so a risk of localised flooding.
“As is the nature of showers, one place can actually have a bit of a deluge and just a few miles up the road it could be as dry as a bone.”
But the weather will brighten up across Britain as the week draws to a close.
Dan said: “It’ll become generally dry with sunny spells during the course of the weekend.
“Temperatures will generally be slightly above average, so the sunshine is going to feel quite pleasant.”
Met Office: How to stay safe in a flood
CONSIDER if your location is at risk of flash flooding.
If so, consider preparing a flood plan and an emergency flood kit.
Prepare to protect your property and people from injury.
Before gusty winds arrive, check to ensure moveable objects or temporary structures are well secured.
Items include; bins, garden furniture, trampolines, tents, gazebos, sheds, and fences.
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.
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. Be prepared for weather warnings to change quickly.
When a weather warning is issued, the Met Office recommends staying up to date with the weather forecast in your area.
Is your area affected?
Central, Tayside & Fife
Angus
Clackmannanshire
Dundee
Falkirk
Fife
Perth and Kinross
Stirling
Grampian
Aberdeen
Aberdeenshire
Moray
Highlands & Eilean Siar
Highland
South West Scotland & Lothian Borders
East Lothian
Edinburgh
Midlothian Council
West Lothian
Strathclyde
Argyll and Bute
North Lanarkshire
Today will be soggy for many Brits Published: [#item_custom_pubDate]
