Overview
- The Met Office placed 42 areas of England and Wales under a yellow thunderstorm warning that runs from 3pm to 10pm on Tuesday, May 26.
- A recent heatwave and unusually warm nights have increased atmospheric instability and raised the chance that isolated but severe convective storms will form.
- Forecasters say individual storm cells could deliver frequent lightning, large hail, strong gusts and around 30mm of rain in less than an hour, which can overwhelm drains and cause flash flooding.
- The warning warns of likely local impacts such as delays and cancellations to trains and buses, a slight chance of power cuts, spray-related road hazards and a small risk of damage to properties from floodwater or hail.
- The Met Office advises people outdoors to seek enclosed shelter if they hear thunder, avoid sheltering near trees or exposed structures, move to lower ground if elevated and prepare a flood plan if in a flash-flood-prone location; many places, however, may remain hot and sunny.