The Met Office has urged UK households to charge all phones by tonight ahead of thunderstorms. The national forecaster has five tips for staying safe in stormy weather.
The Met Office has issued a rare amber thunderstorm warning for the Southeast of England from 8pm Friday until 5am Saturday. Parts of eastern and southeastern England are due to be hardest hit, with rain downpours reaching 30-50mm in a short space of time, increasing the risk of surface water flooding. There is also to be large hail, strong and gusty winds in excess of 40-50mph, and lightning. The Met Office also warned of power cuts, which are “likely to occur”. It advised checking on vulnerable people as they may need support with food and medical supplies.
This latest warning follows a yellow alert for thunderstorms from 7pm Friday to 6am Saturday and another one from 4pm to 11.59 pm today.
One of the 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.
