The Met Office has issued a yellow thunderstorm warning covering several areas of the UK, including Gloucestershire and South Gloucestershire. This alert is set to begin at 3am on Wednesday, 26 August, and will remain in place until 10pm the same day.
Forecasters are predicting frequent lightning strikes and intense rainfall within the affected regions. The warning specifically includes Gloucestershire, South Gloucestershire, and parts of Wiltshire such as Swindon.
According to the Met Office: “A band of heavy showers and thunderstorms is expected to move northwards on Wednesday morning. A drier, brighter period may follow; however, further showers and thunderstorms are likely to break out during the afternoon.”
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While many locations may avoid these storms, where they do occur, they could be severe, with rainfall totals reaching 20-30mm within under an hour, and some areas potentially receiving 40-50mm over two to three hours. This could lead to surface water flooding in certain spots. Additionally, large hail and frequent lightning are possible. The showers and thunderstorms are expected to move northwards and ease during the evening.
The Met Office issues weather warnings in three categories based on severity and likelihood of occurrence. A yellow warning indicates weather conditions that may cause disruption to travel and normal daily activities but are unlikely to pose a risk to life or property. An amber warning is more serious, advising the public to consider changing plans to reduce risk. A red warning signifies dangerous weather with potential widespread property damage and risk to life, generally leading to advice against travelling.
Residents should be aware there is a small risk of rapid flooding impacting homes and businesses, possible damage from floodwaters, lightning strikes, or hail. Delays and cancellations to train and bus services may occur where flooding or lightning strikes happen. In addition, spray and sudden flooding could cause hazardous driving conditions and some road closures. There is also a slight chance of power outages and disruption to other services for affected homes and businesses.