Bank holiday travel fears as thunderstorm set to hit North Wales and North West England

Owen Hughes

6 May 2024 at 6:24 am·2-min read

The Met Office has issued yellow warnings for thunderstorms just as the big bank holiday drive home gets underway. Members of the public have been warned to prepare for travel disruption and potential floods in some areas.

The area forecast to be affected includes parts of Flintshire, Wrexham, Denbighshire, Gwynedd and Conwy - including the A55. This comes as thousands of tourists are set to depart the region after a busy bank holiday weekend - boosted by the Llandudno Victorian Extravaganza.

Traffic Wales reposted the warning and said there is already busy traffic on the A55 as visitors head out of North Wales.

The areas - which also include the North West of England - have been placed under the warning from 1pm to 9pm on Monday. It has been reported that thunderstorms and heavy downpours are likely to break out in some places this afternoon and evening. The severe storms and downpours can trigger 20 to 40 mm of rain within the space of an hour or two.

What to Expect according to the Met Office

Spray and sudden flooding could lead to difficult driving conditions and some road closures
There is a small chance that some communities become cut off by flooded roads
Where flooding or lightning strikes occur, there is a chance of delays and some cancellations to train and bus services
There is a slight chance that power cuts could occur and other services to some homes and businesses could be lost
There is a small chance that homes and businesses could be flooded quickly, with damage to some buildings from floodwater, lightning strikes, hail or strong winds
There is a small chance of fast flowing or deep floodwater causing danger to life

The good news on the horizon is that the weather will warm up in the coming days and next weekend is forecast to be one of the warmest of the year so far.

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What to Expect according to the Met Office

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