The Met Office has issued thunderstorm warnings for large parts of England and Wales over the next two days, with the threat of frequent lightning and large hail.
The initial warning, in effect from 12pm to 8pm on Friday, covers an area stretching from the West Midlands to the South East, including the South West. It also encompasses a significant portion of Wales, including Cardiff and Swansea.
The weather agency has cautioned that lightning strikes during these storms could potentially damage buildings. With the possibility of up to 40mm (1.5 inches) of rain falling within three hours, driving conditions may become hazardous due to spray, standing water, and hail. Power outages are also likely, and delays to train services are expected.
“A few thundery showers may be present across southern and southeast England early on Friday, but from the middle of the day, they are expected to develop more widely within the warning area,” the Met Office stated.
“Whilst some places will remain dry, where thundery showers do occur, they will bring frequent lightning, gusty winds, potentially some large hail, as well as brief spells of heavy rain.”
The agency added that there is “a very small chance of 30-40mm falling in three hours” across South West England.
The warning for Saturday is in effect for 23 hours, from 1am until midnight, and covers an even larger area, including the whole of Wales and extending as far as Liverpool, Stoke-on-Trent, Leicester, and all of Cornwall.
Thunderstorms and heavy showers are expected to cause disruption. “Hail and frequent lightning may accompany the most intense storms, especially during Saturday afternoon and evening in parts of the Midlands, southern England, and east Wales,” the Met Office warned.
Officials have advised that there is a small chance of rapid flooding, with fast-flowing or deep floodwater posing a “danger to life.” They also warned of the potential for some communities to become isolated by flooded roads, with possible power cuts and cancellations to train and bus services.
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