The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning covering the central area of the UK, with six regions to be hit by thunderstorms within the next six hours. Scattered thunderstorms will arrive from the southwest on Saturday, June 21, from 3pm. It will last into the night, ending at 4am on Sunday, moving northeast to the North Sea.
The warning covers East Midlands (Nottingham, Derby), North East England (Newcastle, Middlesbrough), North West England (Lancaster, Manchester), North Wales (Conwy, Wrexham), West Midlands (Stafford, Stoke), and Yorkshire & Humber (York, Lincoln). According to the Met Office, those in the warning area should expect sudden flooding, difficult driving conditions, and road closures. There is a small chance of power cuts, lightning strikes, and damage to buildings.
One of the forecaster’s tips is to keep all devices charged and ready for use in case of power cuts and emergencies. This falls under ways to “stay safe in flooding”.
Other tips in this category include parking your car outside the flood zone, storing valuables and important documents high up, turning off gas, water and electricity, and being aware of flood alerts and warnings.
The Met Office said if your home does flood, be sure to be high in whatever building you’re in, excluding lofts with no windows, and only go on the roof in emergencies.
The forecaster also said to consider preparing a flood plan and kit, these include dry and waterproof clothing, first aid kits, device chargers, fresh water and non-perishable foods.
To prepare for power cuts, you should have battery candles, torches and batteries, and a mobile phone power pack. If you are in an area where there is a power cut, switch off all appliances, turn a light on so that power coming back on is obvious, check on neighbours, wrap up warm and close internal doors.
Finally, the Met Office recommends protecting your property from damage and others from injury by securing bins, plant pots, garden furniture, trampolines and sheds.