Liverpool has been hit by a series of intense thunderstorms tonight, with residents sharing numerous videos and images of the dramatic weather online. The Met Office had previously issued a yellow weather warning for thunderstorms, which remains in effect for the region until 4am on Wednesday morning.
The warning highlights the potential for heavy rainfall, frequent lightning, and gusty winds across affected areas. While specific rainfall totals for Liverpool tonight are yet to be confirmed, similar warnings often anticipate 20-30mm of rain within an hour in localised spots, and up to 50mm over a few hours. Wind speeds associated with such storms can reach between 30-40 mph in gusts, particularly around downpours.
The Met Office yellow warning for thunderstorms extends beyond just Merseyside, encompassing large parts of England, particularly the North West, Midlands, and parts of the South, as well as much of Wales and Northern Ireland. Scotland, however, is largely unaffected by this particular warning, with more settled conditions expected there. The primary concerns outlined in the warning include potential disruption to travel, localised flooding of homes and businesses, and power cuts due to lightning strikes.
Safety advice from the Met Office during thunderstorms includes unplugging non-essential appliances, avoiding using landline phones, and staying indoors. If caught outside, individuals are advised to seek shelter and avoid open spaces, tall objects, and water. Drivers are urged to slow down, be aware of spray and standing water, and avoid driving through deep floodwater.
Temperatures across the UK have been relatively mild ahead of these storms, with many areas experiencing highs in the mid to high teens Celsius. The storms are a result of a combination of warm, moist air and an unstable atmosphere, typical conditions for convective activity during the warmer months. As the warning expires in the early hours, conditions are expected to gradually improve, though some residual showers might linger in isolated areas.