The poor weather conditions could impact travel but also cause damage to buildings and power cuts, with people told to plan in advance of the yellow weather warning
People in Northern Ireland have been urged to plan ahead as thunderstorms and heavy rainfall will hit the region today.
A yellow weather warning for thunderstorms has been issued by the Met Office covering most of the country. The “slow-moving” thunderstorms could cause travel disruption but also flooding in a few places, the forecaster said.
A statement from the Met Office reads: “Following overnight rain, showers and thunderstorms are expected to develop across much of Northern Ireland. These showers and thunderstorms will become slow-moving for a time this afternoon, leading to the potential for some large rainfall accumulations to build up in a few places.
“10-15 mm of rain likely in less than an hour for some, and perhaps 25-30 mm in 2-3 hours. This could cause some temporary flooding and difficult driving conditions. Hail and lightning will be additional hazards in the heaviest showers.”
There is a “good chance” driving conditions will be affected by spray, standing water or hail, leading to extended journey times, while some flooding of homes and businesses is also possible. People have been advised to prepare a flood plan and emergency flood kit if they consider the location of their home or business to be at risk of flash flooding.
The Met Office said: “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.”
The yellow weather warning will come into force today at midday and is expected to be in place until 6pm.
Areas affected by the yellow warning
- County Antrim
- County Armagh
- County Down
- County Londonderry
- County Tyrone