The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for thunderstorms on Tuesday as heavy rain, hail, floods and power cuts could impact six regions
The Met Office has issued a thunderstorm warning covering six counties on Tuesday.
The warning will be in place for Northern Ireland from midday until 9pm. In it, the Met Office urges people to prepare a “flood plan and an emergency flood kit” if they are in an area prone to flash flooding.
The national weather agency says some flooding of a few homes and businesses is likely, and that driving conditions could be affected by spray, standing water or hail, leading to longer journey times by car and bus.
Delays to train services are also possible, with the possibly too of some damage to buildings and structures from lightning strikes, the Met Office says. It adds: “Some short term loss of power and other services is likely.”
Northern Ireland could see as much as 30mm of rain over the course of just two hours tomorrow. “Strong and gusty winds and hail will also be possible with the heaviest showers,” the Met Office says.
As well preparing for potential floods, people should also get themselves ready for power cuts. The Met Office says: “People cope better with power cuts when they have prepared for them in advance. It’s easy to do; consider gathering torches and batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essential items.”
Areas impacted by Met Office thunderstorm warning
- County Antrim
- County Armagh
- County Down
- County Fermanagh
- County Londonderry
- County Tyrone
The warning comes despite temperatures remaining high across much of the country today.
The mercury should hit 34C in London, with 32C to come in the Midlands, 29C in the north-west and 27C in Cardiff.
Temperatures will be cooler in Northern Ireland and Scotland, with the Met Office predicting afternoon highs of 21C in Belfast and Glasgow.
BBC Weather forecast
The BBC Weather forecast states: “Tonight, the north and west will be cloudy, and rain will continue to move in, turning rather heavy for some. Drier with clear spells elsewhere, but a small chance of a shower in the far south-east.
“Tomorrow will continue mainly cloudy in Scotland with showery rain. A risk of lightning in spots. Elsewhere, there will be a mixture of sunny spells, patchy cloud and scattered showers.”
