Weather warning for thunderstorms and torrential rain extended

It was confirmed yesterday, Thursday, that a yellow weather warning had been issued for thunderstorms across the region.

This is due to come into effect from 2pm on Saturday, and it will remain in force through to 9pm that evening.

Now, the Met Office has issued a second warning for thunder and lightning storms, this one starting at midday on Sunday and remaining through to 9pm that evening.

Forecasters say that while many places will be largely dry, thunderstorms with heavy rain and hail are likely to develop in some places on Sunday afternoon.

There is a small chance that homes and businesses could be flooded quickly, with damage to some buildings from floodwater, lightning strikes, hail or strong winds possible.

Where flooding or lightning strikes occur, there is a chance of delays and some cancellations to train and bus services, while spray and sudden flooding could lead to difficult driving conditions and some road closures.

There is also a slight chance that power cuts could occur and other services to some homes and businesses could be lost.

A Met Office spokesman said: “High temperatures on Sunday will trigger a scattering of showers across the warning area, some of which are likely to be torrential and thundery, perhaps bringing a few places 30mm to 40mm in an hour.

“The odd place, affected by multiple showers, could see more than this, perhaps in excess of 60mm in a few hours, this being most likely across Wales and central England.

“As well as rain, additional hazards will be hail, strong gusts of wind and lightning.

“Despite this, many places in the warning area will remain dry or only see small amounts of rain, due to the scattered nature of the heaviest showers.”