The Met Office has urged residents in Gloucestershire to prepare emergency kits as a thunderstorm warning continues to affect much of England and Wales until 10pm today. This alert follows a prior thunderstorm warning issued yesterday.
Forecasters have cautioned that some regions may experience up to 75mm of rainfall within a 12-hour period, heightening the risk of flooding and disruption. Alongside heavy rain, areas covered by the warning face the possibility of lightning strikes, hail, and power cuts.
In response, the Met Office advises those in areas prone to flash flooding to develop a flood plan and assemble an emergency flood kit. Essential items should include crucial insurance documents, a list of important contact numbers, a torch with spare batteries, and a first aid kit. People should also have sufficient prescription medicines ready.
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Additional recommended supplies include warm, waterproof clothing, blankets, bottled water, and snacks. A battery-powered or wind-up radio is also suggested to stay informed during possible power outages. Consideration should be given to any extra needs for caring for babies or pets.
The warning also includes advice to secure loose outdoor objects and temporary structures such as bins, garden furniture, trampolines, tents, gazebos, sheds, and fences before strong winds begin.
Further preparations for potential power interruptions include assembling torches, batteries, mobile phone power packs, and other essential items.
Gloucestershire is one of 73 areas across England and Wales encompassed by this Met Office thunderstorm warning.
The Met Office predicts “slow-moving, heavy and thundery rain” today, with unsettled weather likely to persist into Friday and throughout the weekend. Temperatures are expected to remain relatively high, reaching 27°C today, then peaking at 26°C on Friday and Saturday, before dipping to 25°C on Sunday.
Residents are advised to remain vigilant and take appropriate precautions to stay safe during the period of expected severe weather.