
UK weather: Thunderstorm and flash flooding warning after heavy rain batters country
A yellow thunderstorm warning has been issued across parts of the south of England as heavy rain, hail, and lightning are expected to cause disruption to roads and public transport. The warning, which covers London, Bristol, Oxford, Southampton, Kent and Ipswich, is in place from 10am until 9pm on Thursday.
People living in areas at risk of flash flooding have been advised to 'consider preparing a flood plan and an emergency flood kit' to minimise potential damage, the Met Office advised. It said the storm could bring as much as 60mm of rainfall within two hours, with 'frequent lightning and hail' also expected in some places.
Heavy rain has already battered London on Thursday, as pictures show people rushing under umbrellas to shelter from the storm.
The Environment Agency advised flash flooding was 'possible' but not expected during the heavy rainfall, which is set to develop throughout Thursday morning. They added that there could be flooding damage to homes and buildings, and said people should be aware of potential travel disruption.
'Surface water flooding impacts from heavy, thundery showers are possible but not expected on Thursday across the Midlands, South and East of England and London,' it said. 'Localised surface water flooding is also possible elsewhere across England. Properties may flood and there may be travel disruption.'
The Met Office warned motorists to check road closures and be aware of 'difficult' driving conditions ahead of any journeys. It also said there was a 'small chance' of damage to buildings from floodwater, lightning strikes, hail or strong winds.
'Thunderstorms and heavy showers are expected to develop during Thursday morning and through the afternoon,' the forecaster said. 'These could produce torrential downpours in a few places with as much as 25 to 35mm of rain falling within an hour and perhaps 60 mm within 2 hours.
'Frequent lightning and hail will be additional hazards. Storms will tend to become more confined to the south and east of the warning area later in the afternoon before dying out during the evening.'
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Glasgow Times
8 minutes ago
- Glasgow Times
Everything you need to know as Storm Floris set to hit country TODAY
Glasgow has been placed under an amber weather warning as the storm is expected to bring severe and unseasonably strong winds to the city as well as heavy rain. Wind gusts are expected to range between 50 and 70 mph, with even stronger winds reaching up to 80 or 90 mph in exposed coastal and highland areas. (Image: Image from PA) The Met Office issued the stark warning, highlighting the potential for injuries and threats to life caused by large waves and debris being thrown onto seafronts, coastal roads, and nearby properties. The warning is in place from 6am on Monday, August 4, to 6am on Tuesday, August 5. Following the warning, officials are urging residents to take precautions and prioritise safety. People are advised to remain indoors where possible and to be especially cautious when outside, avoiding areas near buildings or trees. Households are being encouraged to secure any loose outdoor items, such as garden furniture, bins, trampolines, tents, and fences, to prevent them from becoming airborne. (Image: Image: Archive) The Met Office is also reminding the public to exercise caution near cliffs and to keep dogs on leads to prevent accidents. Power cuts are also anticipated, which could disrupt services including mobile phone coverage. People are being advised to prepare by gathering essential items such as torches, spare batteries, and portable phone chargers. (Image: Jane Barlow/PA Wire) (Image: Image: Archive) There is the possibility of damage to trees and buildings, particularly roofs, and there will be severe disruption to travel across road, rail, air, and ferry networks. Network Rail announced on Sunday that services will be suspended from midday on Monday. Extra response teams, including chainsaw-trained staff, will be on standby throughout the storm to respond quickly to any obstructions on the railway. Ross Moran, Network Rail Scotland route director, said: 'With the severity of Storm Floris becoming clear, our priority is the safety of our passengers and colleagues. "That is why we've taken the decision to close some parts of Scotland's Railway early on Monday as the worst of the conditions hit the country. 'Our engineers will also need to thoroughly inspect the network for any damage before we reopen the lines and restart train services on Tuesday morning. 'Weather specialists, based in our control room, will monitor conditions closely throughout the storm, and our teams on the ground will be ready to deal with any issues caused by the weather as quickly as possible. "We appreciate passengers' patience while we get through this unprecedented summer storm.' Train services north of Perth, including routes to Fife, Dundee, Aberdeen, and Inverness, will be suspended, along with West Highland Line services, and those between Helensburgh Upper, Oban, Fort William, and Mallaig. From 9am on Monday, trains running on unaffected routes will operate at reduced speeds, with a maximum speed of 50mph, which will result in extended journey times. Other impacted services include: Edinburgh to Fife, Perth, and Dundee Perth to Aberdeen and Inverness Dunblane to Perth Inverness to Wick, Thurso, and Kyle of Lochalsh All West Highland routes Mark Ilderton, ScotRail Service Delivery Director, said: 'The Met Office amber weather warnings for very high winds across the country will impact rail services on Monday. 'We recognise the impact that the withdrawal and alteration of train services will have on customers, but our first priority is always to ensure the safety of staff and passengers – and this is a necessary step to ensure everyone's safety." Train services are expected to resume later than usual on Tuesday, August 5, once safety inspections are complete and conditions allow. Passengers are advised to monitor National Rail Enquiries, ScotRail's official channels, and the Met Office for real-time travel updates and weather alerts. (Image: Image: Newsquest) Meanwhile, Avanti West Coast said services are likely to be impacted in Lancaster, Oxenholme, Penrith, Carlisle, Lockerbie, Motherwell, Haymarket, Glasgow Central and Edinburgh. Tickets dated for Monday for these areas will be accepted on Sunday and Tuesday, it added. Scottish ferry operator CalMac has also issued a series of cancellation warnings ahead of the storm. Elsewhere, motorists have been urged to slow down in poor weather and avoid exposed Highland and coastal routes. Shaun Jones, of the AA, said: 'If you're planning a journey – especially through exposed or rural areas – it's worth checking the latest forecast, allow extra time, and be prepared for the unexpected. 'Keep both hands on the wheel, especially on open roads and motorways, and be mindful of high-sided vehicles and cyclists who may be more affected by gusts. 'Watch out for fallen branches or debris, particularly in rural areas – this could be telltale signs of a fallen tree ahead.' Storm Floris is the sixth named storm of the 2024-25 naming season, which runs from early September to late August, and January's Storm Eowyn was the most recent.


BBC News
9 minutes ago
- BBC News
Northern Ireland: Yellow weather warnings in place for Storm Floris
Northern Ireland is set to be hit by strong winds as Storm Floris touches down on Monday morning.A yellow weather warning for strong winds took effect from 06:00 BST and is in place until 00: are weather warnings in place across much of the UK, with amber warnings for most of Scotland. Wind gusts of up to 50mph (80km/h) are expected across much of Northern Ireland, with winds of about 60mph (100km/h) or more forecast for the north coast and more exposed areas. The storm is also expected to bring a spell of heavy and persistent rain, mainly through the first half of Monday before Éireann, the Republic of Ireland's meteorological service, has issued yellow wind and rain warnings for several counties including Donegal, Galway and advised people of potentially dangerous travelling conditions, due to the possibility of heavy rain and fallen trees, on what is a bank holiday in the country. Storm Floris is the first storm to hit Ireland and the UK since Storm Éowyn in storm sparked a rare red warning for Northern Ireland, and the first red warning for the whole island of Ireland. What's closed because of Storm Floris? A number of councils in Northern Ireland have closed outdoor spaces on Monday:Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Council has closed all parks, open spaces, forest parks, golf courses, caravan parks, and recycling centresFermanagh and Omagh District Council has closed a number of facilities and outdoor areas, and advised people against using facilities like recycling centresMid Ulster District Council has closed all council forest and park sites Newry, Mourne and Down council has closed all forests, country parks, and community trails, as well as all associated facilities and advised people not to visit play parks, beaches and other outdoor areasMid and East Antrim Borough Council has said some council parks and open spaces may close at short notice if deemed unsafeThe Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs has also advised the public not to visit affected forests and parks on Monday and Tuesday until the high winds subside.A number of councils in Northern Ireland have also warned residents to collect their bins after they have been collected to avoid damage to property.


Sky News
25 minutes ago
- Sky News
Storm Floris latest: 'Do not travel' and 'danger to life' warnings as storm hits UK
What weather warnings are in place? Storm Floris will bring unseasonably strong winds to much of Scotland, the Met Office has warned. Northern England, Wales and northern Ireland are also facing disruptive conditions. Here are the weather warnings the forecaster has put in place today. Yellow warning for wind Warning: Injuries and danger to life are possible from flying debris, large waves and beach material. Some roads and bridges may be closed, while bus, rail, air and ferry cancellations are possible. Power cuts may occur and buildings may be damaged. Where: North East and North West England, Yorkshire and Humber, Wales, Northern Ireland, Central, Tayside and Fife, Grampian, Highlands and Eilean Siar, South West Scotland, Lothian Borders and Strathclyde. When: 6am until midnight. Amber warning for wind Warning: Injuries and danger to life are expected from large waves and beach materials. Some roads and bridges are expected to close, alongside longer journey times and public transport cancellations. The Met Office also warns of power cuts and damage to trees and buildings. Where: Central, Tayside and Fife, Grampian, Highlands and Eilean Siar, South West Scotland, Lothian Borders and Strathclyde. When: 10am until 10pm.