A yellow weather warning has been issued for much of the west of the UK today (May 12), coming as close to London as Reading. The Met Office has warned that heavy rain and thunderstorms between 1 pm and 11pm could lead to travel disruptions or even property flooding and a danger to life.
Travel is particularly dangerous in these conditions with roads and railways being at risk of closures or disruptions. Spray and sudden flooding could lead to difficult driving conditions and some road closures.Where flooding or lightning strikes occur, there is a chance of delays and some cancellations to train and bus services.
Apart from infrastructure, properties are also at risk by the flooding of homes and businesses. This could happen quickly, with damage to some buildings from floodwater, lightning strikes, hail or strong winds. fast flowing or deep floodwater is possible, causing a danger to life
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Power cuts could also occur and otherservices to some homes and businesses could be lost.
What can you do to prepare?
If you know you are in a location prone to flash flooding you might want to consider making a flood plan and emergency kit. A flood plan should protect people and property. You can do this by securing moveable objects or temporary structures before gusty winds arrive. This could be bins, garden furniture, trampolines, tents, gazebos, sheds, and fences.
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.
If you need to travel check road conditions before driving. If you’re planning on bus or train travel, check timetables and amend your travel plans if necessary. Power cuts can also be dealt with through preparation. Gather torches and batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essential items so you’re not stuck in the dark.
London forecast
While the yellow weather warning is close by it is due to narrowly miss the city thankfully. However, it is a good idea to keep checking forecasters incase this changes.
But mercifully the Met Office say we are to continue to bask in the warmer weather May has brought along with it. From 1pm until 5pm the temperature will be a delightful 25C with a less than 5 per cent chance of rain. From 6pm until 12pm the temperature will slowly drop from 24C to a cool 18C at night.
There is a 30 per cent chance of showers at 6pm however but this is the only time today London should see rain. The UV levels will reach as high as 6 today so make sure to have suncream on but as the day goes on this will also gradually fall.
The humidity will be around 30 per cent to 40 per cent in the afternoon, increasing to around 60 per cent in the evening and night. Wind speeds will be manageable between 6mph to 8mph on average.
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