UK weather: Thunder, lightning & ‘sudden floods’ batter UK as storms swoop in & commuters hit with travel chaos
BRITS are being warned to brace for thunder, lightning and sudden floods which will batter the UK today.
Forecasters have placed much southern England and Wales under a thunderstorm warning.
The yellow alert covering parts of Cornwall, Bath. Portsmouth, Swansea and Cardiff have been in place since 8pm last night and will remain in place until 8am this morning.
Meanwhile the second warning, covering London, Oxford, Gloucester and Chelmsford, will last until 10am.
The Met Office says thunderstorms are expected through the morning, before gradually clearing from the east and some travel disruption and flooding possible.
There is a chance of of power cuts and damage to some buildings from floodwater, lightning strikes, hail or strong winds.
Today’s forecast reads: “Early thundery rain across southern England and south Wales easing.
“Some bright spells developing, although further thundery showers may develop later.
“Some warm sunshine elsewhere, but chilly around North Sea coasts where there could be some low cloud.”
A risk of more thunderstorms remains tonight and tomorrow – but for the bank holiday weekend temperatures will be above average.
It comes as commuters face travel chaos this morning.
Lightning overnight damaged the electricity supply on several trainlines – while others have flooded.
National Rail listed a disruption between Westbury and Castle Cary – and minor delays are reported on South Western and Great Western railways.
Grey skies and wet weather meant April may have felt unusually cold despite temperatures being higher than average for the time of year, the organisation said.
Friday is set for a tea-time meltdown as a holidaymakers’ rush clashes with office workers and after-school traffic.
Driving in a thunderstorm
The Met Office has issued advice for those driving during today's storm
If you are caught out in thunder and lightning it is advised that you wind up the windows and stay inside your car. This is because in the vast majority of cars with a metal roof and frame, the frame will act as a conductive Faraday cage, passing the current around the passengers inside and on to the ground.
- Soft-top convertibles, with their fabric roofs, are the most at risk and could catch fire if struck by lightning
- Be aware that current can travel through other parts of many modern cars, including GPS and radio systems. Cars with metal interior handles, foot pedals and steering wheels can also carry current
- Cars can be damaged both internally and externally by lightning strikes
Thunderstorms can also bring a risk of sudden gusty winds, those most at risk would include cyclists, motorcyclists and high sided vehicles.
- Remember to give vulnerable road users including cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians more room than usual. They are more likely to be blown around by side winds – always keep a safe distance.
- Keep your speed down, lowering your speed will lower the distance you travel when buffeted around by the wind.
Hail storms can be extremely dangerous to drive in reducing your ability to see and be seen, as well as causing damage to your vehicle. If hail is severe, stop and pull over to a safe place and remain inside the vehicle
Around 16million drivers are expected on roads that day, data trends show.
RAC spokesman Rod Dennis said: “It’s looking like a Frantic Friday, with getaway, school and commuter traffic building into the evening.
“Major trunk routes will be congested, with Saturday also busy.
“And after such miserable cold temperatures recently, drivers are ready to make the most of any better weather.
“Expect many more people on roads on days temperatures rise.”