Yahoo News 12-hour Surrey thunderstorm warning for ‘sudden flooding’ as 30mm rain possible in an hour
People in Surrey and areas south of London have been warned to expect heavy rain and thunderstorms on Tuesday afternoon (May 21) with sudden flooding, lightning strikes, and travel disruption possible. The Met Office has issued a 12-hour yellow weather warning for thunderstorms with up to five centimetres of rain on the way in as little as two hours.
The forecaster warned of a small chance that homes and businesses could be flooded quickly and damaged by lightning strikes, hail, or strong winds. Spray and flooding may also lead to difficult driving conditions, while flooding and lightning strikes could bring delays and cancellations to trains and buses.
Between 20mm and 30mm of rain is possible in areas south of London in the space of an hour or less. Some places will also receive between 40mm and 50mm of rain in the space of two to three hours.
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The Met Office warned: “While some places may remain mostly dry today, areas of heavy rain and some thunderstorms are expected to develop from around mid-morning.” It continued: “In the south of this warning area, the focus is likely to be slow-moving heavy showers and thunderstorms, perhaps with hail and lightning, which should gradually ease away later on Tuesday evening.”
Areas within the north of the warning have been told early showers are likely to merge into more general rain that will be heavy and thundery at times. The thunderstorm warning will be in place from 12pm (Tuesday, May 21) until midnight.
Separate thunderstorm warnings are in place for the Southwest, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Rain warnings have also been issued across the Midlands and the North of England for Tuesday and remain in place until 6am on Thursday (May 23).
The Met Office urged people to “prepare to protect your property and people from injury” and advised moveable objects and temporary structures be well secured before gusty winds arrive. Residents and people in Surrey should have a flood plan ready.
The forecaster added that checking road conditions and bus and train timetables will give people the best chance of avoiding travel delays. An additional warning in Scotland has been issued on Wednesday and Thursday as the UK braces for a period of unsettled weather.
Met Office Forecast for the South East
Today:
Mostly dry until the afternoon. Increasing chance of isolated heavy showers by the afternoon, these perhaps thundery and with hail. Maximum temperature 20 °C. Into tonight, a few showers continuing through the evening. Cloud then thickening from the east, with some rain. Minimum temperature 11 °C.
Wednesday:
Rather cloudy with some light rain. Some warm sunny intervals possible across the southwest, and then elsewhere by the afternoon, but also heavy, perhaps thundery showers. Maximum temperature 22 °C.
Outlook for Thursday to Saturday:
Dry Thursday with early cloud clearing to warm sunshine. Likely dry Friday, with variable cloud and just the odd light shower possible. Fine Saturday, with warm sunny spells.
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