Met Office issues 13-hour thunderstorms warning for Wales

Wales Online

2 days ago

Met Office issues 13-hour thunderstorms warning for Wales
The thunderstorms are set to lash down on Wales until Thursday afternoon - June 12 - and there is a warning that some buildings could be damaged by lightning strikes
A thunderstorm warning has been issued for Wales
(Image: WalesOnline/Rob Browne )
The Met Office has issued a yellow thunderstorm warning for several regions across Wales for Thursday, June 12 - with 19 areas set for a hammering.
The areas covered by the weather warning include Blaenau Gwent, Bridgend, Caerphilly, Cardiff, Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Conwy, Gwynedd, Isle of Anglesey, Merthyr Tydfil, Monmouthshire, Neath Port Talbot, Newport, Pembrokeshire, Powys, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Swansea, Torfaen, and Vale of Glamorgan.
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The warning covers a significant portion of the UK, as it will also be affecting parts of South West England and the West Midlands. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here
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The warning will be in place for 13 hours on Thursday
The warning is in place from around 1am and runs until 2pm. Forecasters say the impacted regions can expect to see frequent lightning strikes and heavy downpours. The alert was first announced by the forecaster at 11.45am on Wednesday, June 11.
A Met Office forecast said: "An area of rain will move northwards across parts of southwest England and Wales during Thursday morning, before clearing later.
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"The rain will be locally heavy with thunderstorms. A few places perhaps receiving 10-20 mm of rain in an hour, and 30-40mm in 3 hours or less, leading to a risk of disruption.
"Winds will also be strong at times, perhaps gusting to 40-50mph around hills and coasts."
Members of the public have been warned that "some flooding of a few homes and businesses is likely, leading to some damage to buildings or structures".
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They are warned to expect "some damage to a few buildings and structures from lightning strikes; There is a good chance driving conditions will be affected by spray, standing water and/or hail, leading to longer journey times by car and bus; Delays to train services are possible; Some short term loss of power and other services is likely".
During intense thunderstorms, the advice is as follows:
"Consider if your location is at risk of flash flooding. If so, consider preparing a flood plan and an emergency flood kit.
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"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. If you find yourself outside and hear thunder, protect yourself by finding a safe enclosed shelter (such as a car).
"Do not shelter under or near trees, or other structures which may be struck by lightning. If you are on an elevated area move to lower ground. Be prepared for weather warnings to change quickly."
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When a weather warning is issued, the Met Office recommends staying up to date with the weather forecast in your area.
For further details see Met Office Warnings & Advice.