The Met Office has issued a stark warning to Brits living in 30 areas, advising them to prepare an “emergency” kit with three essential items as heavy showers are set to cause disruption across the South East of England. As summer draws to a close, wet and windy weather is expected to prevail, with millions bracing for heavy downpours.
A yellow rain warning was in place this morning with thunder and hail also anticipated in isolated instances. The affected regions could witness between 10-20mm of rain in less than an hour, and coastal areas could see as much as 50-70mm of rain over a few hours where heavy showers persist.
“Some flooding in these wetter areas is possible,” warned the Met Office. “A few showers could be accompanied by the odd rumble of thunder, again this more likely near to coasts. Heavy showers and rain should clear into the North Sea by early afternoon.”
Those concerned about potential flooding risks to their property have been advised to prepare a flood plan and an emergency flood kit. The Met Office suggests that the emergency kit should include torches and batteries, a mobile phone power pack, and other essential items.
It also urges people to stay alert as weather warnings can change rapidly, reports the Mirror.
The Met Office warning states: “Check if your property could be at risk of flooding. If so, consider preparing a flood plan and an emergency flood kit.
“Give yourself the best chance of avoiding delays by checking road conditions if driving, or bus and train timetables, amending your travel plans if necessary.
“People cope better with power cuts when they have prepared for them in advance. It’s easy to do; consider gathering torches and batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essential items.”
Regions affected by Met Office weather warning:.
East England.
London and South East England.
South West England.
The Met Office has stated that heavy rain across the southeast will gradually clear through the morning. Elsewhere in the country, sunny spells and scattered blustery showers are expected, some of which may be heavy.
“Showers easing away from the northwest, although some may continue along western coasts,” the Met Office said regarding tonight’s forecast. “Clear spells across central and eastern areas. Feeling cool under clear skies.”
The weekend forecast suggests showers will continue to affect some coasts but that weather will remain fine elsewhere. There will be strong coastal winds and cloud increasing throughout the day on Saturday as heavy rain moves into the west.
The Met Office added: “Staying unsettled through Sunday with further spells of rain and showers, but sunny spells in between. Windy throughout with the risk of some thundery outbreaks. Temperatures near average.”