Met Office Issues Amber Warning as Thunderstorms and Flooding Hit Southern and Eastern England
The Met Office has issued an amber warning for thunderstorms and flooding across parts of southern and eastern England, with heavy rain and strong winds expected to hit the region tonight. According to the Independent, the warning covers the east and south east of England, including London, and specifically includes areas such as Essex, Norfolk, Southend-on-Sea, Suffolk, Thurrock, East Sussex, Kent, and Medway.
The Met Office has warned that some areas within the warning zone could see 30-50mm of rain and winds in excess of 40-50mph, along with frequent lightning. The forecaster has cautioned that power cuts and the flooding of homes and businesses are likely, with some communities potentially becoming cut off if roads flood and public transport disrupted where flooding or lightning strikes occur.
As stated by the Independent, spray and sudden flooding may lead to difficult driving conditions and some road closures, with fast flowing or deep floodwater potentially causing danger to life. Deputy Chief Meteorologist Tony Wisson said: “By Friday afternoon and evening, heavy and thundery showers are likely to spread across southeastern England and East Anglia, tracking north-eastwards overnight. There is currently some uncertainty around the exact location and intensity of the thunderstorms, but there is a risk that some areas could see 30 to 50mm of rain, with a risk of even larger accumulations possible.”
The amber weather warning across the south east is set to subside around 5am, while much of the rest of the UK will see thunderstorms until 6pm on Saturday. The Independent reports that Friday is expected to be the warmest day of the period, with temperatures reaching 28 or 29°C with the chance of 30°C in some isolated spots in eastern areas.
In addition to the amber warning, two yellow warnings for thunderstorms have already been put in place across the south west and south east of England, as well as Wales and the West Midlands across Friday. The warning will stretch into Scotland, the East Midlands, and the north of England on Saturday. The Independent notes that the thunderstorm warnings coincide with a number of yellow heat health alerts put in place by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) across the East Midlands, the east and south east of England, and London.
Dr Agostinho Sousa, head of extreme events and health protection at UKHSA, said that even moderate heat can result in serious health outcomes, especially for older adults, making it important for people to take precautions in the sun. “The forecasted high temperatures are expected to be short-lived but could primarily impact those over the age of 65 or those with pre-existing health conditions,” he said. “If you have friends, family or neighbours who are more vulnerable, it is essential to check in on them and ensure they are aware of the forecasts and are following the necessary advice.”
Looking ahead to the weekend, the Independent reports that heavy showers and thunderstorms are expected to ease a little as the day progresses on Saturday, with the driest and brightest conditions towards the southeast. Despite this, it is still expected to be very warm in the southeast, but a little cooler elsewhere.
The Met Office has urged people to stay up to date with the latest weather forecasts and warnings, and to take necessary precautions to stay safe during the thunderstorms and flooding. As reported by the Independent, the UKHSA has also advised people to check in on vulnerable friends, family, and neighbours, and to ensure they are aware of the forecasts and are following the necessary advice.
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