Thunderstorms and sudden flooding could hit London as a yellow weather warning has been issued by the Met Office. The storms are likely to hit the city later this evening from 11pm and overnight until 6am tomorrow and lead to travel disruption and some flooding.
The Met Office say you can expect spray and sudden flooding could lead to difficult driving conditions and some road closures. Lighting strikes and flooding could also create delays on trains. Power cuts could also be on the cards.
There is a small chance that some homes and businesses could be flooded quickly with damage to some buildings from floodwater, lightning strikes, hail or strong winds.
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The thunderstorms are expected to move northwestward later this evening and overnight bringing spells of heavy rain accompanied by frequent lightning with the potential for 15 to 25 mm of rain to fall in 1 or 2 hours in a few places. Hail and gusty winds may also affect a few spots.
How to prepare
If you are in a place susceptible to flash flooding consider preparing a flood plan and emergency flood kit. A good place to start with your flood plan is protecting property and people from injury. Before gusty winds arrive, secure movable or temporary objects like bins, garden furniture, trampolines, tents, gazebos, sheds, and fences.
If travelling, keep an eye on road conditions or bus and train timetables and amend your plans if necessary.
To plan for a power cut 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: when a weather warning is issued, the Met Office recommends staying up to date with the weather forecast in your area.
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