UK storm warning upgraded with ‘threat to damage buildings’

The Met Office has now issued three yellow weather warnings as thunderstorms are expected to batter Britain and ‘damage’ buildings.

Heavy rain which could lead to flooding is expected to tear through London, the West and East Midlands, the East of England and some parts of the southeast and Wales, the national weather service said.

As much as 20-25mm of rain will fall within an hour – and up to 40mm in some places – as the blustery weather brings lightning and hail along with it

‘Probably some damage to a few buildings and structures from lightning strikes,’ the Met Office said.

Forecasters warn that motorists and bus riders should expect longer journey times while train passengers will likely see delays too.

Though driving is discouraged unlesss it’s a ‘must’.

‘Some short-term loss of power and other services is likely,’ the Met Office said, adding that it upgraded the thunderstorm alert as meteorologists expect the blustry weather to hit further north and south.

The thunderstorm alert in place from 9am to 8pm today comes on top of two other yellow warnings in place.

Many parts of the north and northeast including Leeds, York, Hull and as far as Middlesbrough are being told to reach out for their umbrellas today too.

Thunderstorms may erupt in the south of the warning, the Met Office said, as it forecast: ‘Spells of rain, heavy at times, will persist through most of today.

‘In excess of 30 to 50 mm may build up in some spots before rain starts to ease this evening.’

Most of the southern coast of England will be lashed by ‘unseasonably windy weather’ today, according to a yellow warning in place from 4am to 6pm today.

‘Delays for high-sided vehicles on exposed routes and bridges likely,’ the warning said. Coastal communities will likely be whipped by spray and ‘large waves’.

‘Trees and temporary structures such as marquees and tents may be damaged,’ it added.

The Met Office said yesterday that the miserable weather today is, by August’s standards, more like a ‘taste of Autumn’ than anything.

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.

For more stories like this, check our news page.