The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for thunderstorms affecting parts of South West England, advising residents to prepare for potential disruption. The warning is in effect from 14:00 BST this afternoon until 21:00 BST this evening, covering areas including much of Devon, Cornwall, and parts of Somerset and Dorset.
Forecasters anticipate that slow-moving thunderstorms could bring heavy downpours, with some areas potentially seeing 20-30mm of rain in a short space of time, and possibly up to 40-50mm over a few hours in isolated spots. Alongside the heavy rain, there is a risk of frequent lightning, hail, and strong gusty winds up to 40 mph, which could exacerbate hazardous conditions.
The primary concerns highlighted by the Met Office include the potential for localised flooding of homes and businesses, particularly in low-lying areas or where drainage systems may struggle with the intensity of rainfall. Surface water on roads is expected to make driving conditions difficult, leading to longer journey times and possible road closures. There is also a risk of power cuts and other disruptions to services.
While the warning is primarily focused on South West England, other regions of the UK are experiencing varied weather conditions. Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland are not currently under any thunderstorm warnings, with more settled, albeit cloudy, conditions expected for most areas. Temperatures across the UK are generally mild for the time of year, ranging from around 15°C in parts of Scotland to up to 20°C in southern England, prior to the expected storms.
The Met Office advises the public to take precautions, such as checking local weather updates, avoiding unnecessary travel during the peak of the storms, and being aware of potential hazards like flash flooding. Drivers are urged to slow down, increase following distances, and be prepared for standing water. If driving through floodwater, it is crucial to remember that just 30cm of flowing water is enough to float a car.
This warning follows a period of changeable weather across the UK, with a mix of sunshine and showers dominating recent days. The current atmospheric conditions in the South West are conducive to the development of these localised, intense thunderstorms, which can be difficult to predict with high precision until they form.
Source: Met Office