A dramatic thunderstorm swept through Greater Manchester in the early hours of Thursday morning, bringing frequent lightning flashes and loud thunderclaps that left residents shaken. The storms, which began around 3am, also brought heavy rainfall and have left parts of the region bracing for potential flash flooding.
The Met Office's yellow weather warning for thunderstorms remains in effect until 9pm tonight, covering much of England, including the North West, Midlands, East of England, and parts of the South East. Eastern areas of Wales and parts of Northern Ireland are also under warning, although Scotland is largely unaffected.
Forecasters predict that the storms could dump between 20-30mm of rain within an hour in some locations, with up to 50mm falling over a few hours. Wind gusts will be moderate, typically below 30 mph, but may reach higher speeds in exposed areas. Unseasonably warm air from Europe has contributed to the unstable conditions leading to these stormy weather patterns.
The Met Office warns that localised flooding is possible, particularly in urban areas where drainage systems may struggle with the sudden downpour. This could lead to hazardous driving conditions and disruptions to public transport services. There's also a risk of power cuts due to lightning strikes damaging overhead power lines. Residents are advised to take precautions, such as avoiding travel during the worst of the storms if possible, and being mindful of slippery roads and reduced visibility.
The Met Office advises staying indoors and away from windows during lightning storms, unplugging non-essential appliances, and steering clear of metal objects. If caught outside, individuals should seek shelter and avoid open spaces or tall objects. Conditions are expected to gradually improve through Friday, with more settled weather forecast for the weekend across most of the UK.
Source: Manchester Evening News, Met Office