Met Office issues ‘danger to life’ storm warning this weekend with four inches of rain, lightning strikes & deep floods

THE Met Office has put an Amber weather warning in place as there is a “risk to life” with thunderstorms due to sweep the country.

After a spell of sunny skies and baking temperatures, this weekend is set to be a stormy one – with torrential rain, hail, thunder and lightening set to blast most of England.

Kevin Jay/pictureexclusive.comLightning storm over the sea near a wind farm, viewed from Essex. File photo[/caption]

Shutterstock EditorialFans shelter from the rain at the Royal Portrush Golf Club, County Antrim, Northern Ireland, yesterday[/caption]

MET OfficeAn Amber weather alert is in place for tomorrow’s storms[/caption]

There is a three-day yellow weather warning in place for today, Sunday and Monday as thunderstorms and flash floods are due to sweep the UK.

But The Met Office has put an amber weather warning out for tomorrow.

This means there is a danger to life, power cuts, deep flooding and towns and villages could be cut off by deep and fast-flowing water.

The warning reads: “Being outside in high winds and/or lightning makes you more vulnerable to injury. Stay indoors as much as possible.

“If you hear thunder, and are unable to get to a safe enclosed shelter (such as a car), crouch down in a ball-like position with your head tucked in and hands over your ears making minimal contact with the ground, away from objects that conduct electricity.

“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.

“Consider checking on vulnerable people that you know including older people, those with underlying conditions and those who live alone; they may need support with food and medical supplies.”

The amber thunderstorm warning will come into force tomorrow at 4am and ends at 11pm, covering London and the east of England.

Yellow weather warnings are also in place for the east of England today, lasting from 11am until midnight.

Showers and thunderstorms will rain down on northern England early this afternoon.

The Met Office said 25-25 mm of rain is possible in less than an hour, with even 40-60 mm of rain possible over the North York Moors.

As well as rain, frequent lightning and large hail are possible.

The forecaster warned householders to consider if their location is at risk of flash flooding, and to prepare a flood plan and an emergency flood kit.

The stormy weather will likely mean travel delays, and possible power cuts in some areas.

The Met Office advised: “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.”

Thundery rain will spread across most of England on Saturday.

Alongside the amber alert, there are two yellow alerts covering the majority of England,

The warning on the Met Office website reads: “Rain will likely be locally torrential, bringing 20-30 mm in less than an hour in many places, with 60-90 mm in less than three hours possible in a few places.

“Whilst rain will clear from the south of the area by early Saturday afternoon, further thunderstorms are likely to develop here.

“As well as heavy rain, impacts from frequent lightning, gusty winds and large hail are also likely.”

On Sunday and Monday, there are a yellow alerts covering Cornwall.

Met Office Chief Meteorologist Jason Kelly, said: “More warnings could be issued for the weekend and early next week. Keep an eye on the Met Office forecast for updates as the picture develops.

“Within the warm and humid airmass we will potentially see temperatures reaching 30°C or more for parts of eastern England by Friday, with very warm and muggy conditions continuing into the weekend in parts of central and southern England.”

On Sunday, widespread showers and thunderstorms are expected to continue, moving northwards throughout the day.

Next week, the weather will still be unsettled, with showers and thunderstorms at times.

MET OfficeIt comes after days of balmy temperatures, but rain is sweeping in[/caption]

PAShowers and thunderstorms will rain down on northern England early this afternoon[/caption]

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