Met Office warns how to prepare as thunderstorms set to batter UK - including two essential items to stock up on

Imy Brighty-Potts

2 September 2024 at 10:01 am·2-min read

Households across the country have been warned that they should unplug appliances and keep two key items at hand with lightning predicted to strike several areas across the country.

The Met Office has warned that huge thunder storms are set to hit the country in the next couple of days, bringing a break to the pleasant sunny weather that many have enjoyed at the end of the summer. In its latest piece of advice, the Met Office said Brits should have an emergency kit ready for when storms like this pummel the country.

In previous storms of this ilk, the Met Office has urged people to unplug appliances as power surges could cause power cuts in homes across the country.

Map — The Met Office has these warnings for the upcoming storms -Credit:Met Office

"Lightning can cause power surges, unplug any non-essential appliances if not already using a surge protector," a Met Office spokesperson said, according to The Daily Express.

The Met Office recommended those who still use them to unplug their landline during the storms.

"Seek shelter if possible. When you hear thunder you are already within range of where the next ground flash may occur, lightning can strike as far as 10 miles away from the centre of a storm.

“Telephone lines can conduct electricity so try to avoid using the landline, unless in an emergency. If outside avoid water and find a low-lying open place that is a safe distance from trees, poles or metal objects."

So, get any unessential appliances without surge protectors fitted unplugged before the storms roll in.

Bad weather — Heavy rain and thunderstorms are set to batter the country -Credit:Getty Images

The Met Office reported "Monday: Cloudy and humid, with rain at times, especially during the morning, locally heavy and thundery. Probably turning drier by the afternoon but still with occasional showers. Light winds. Maximum temperature 24C."

In case of a power cut, don't contact your energy supplier; instead, dial 105 to report it.

Regions and local authorities affected (Scotland):

Central, Tayside & Fife

Angus
Clackmannanshire
Dundee
Falkirk
Fife
Perth and Kinross
Stirling

Grampian

Aberdeen
Aberdeenshire
Moray

Highlands & Eilean Siar

Orkney & Shetland

Orkney Islands

SW Scotland, Lothian Borders

Dumfries & Galloway
East Lothian
Edinburgh
Midlothian Council
Scottish Borders
West Lothian

Strathclyde

East Ayrshire
East Dunbartonshire
East Renfrewshire
Glasgow
North Lanarkshire
South Lanarkshire

The Met Office recommends staying up to date with the forecast in your area and being prepared for weather warnings to change quickly.

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