Surrey hit with 17-hour thunderstorm warning as floods, travel disruption and power cuts likely
Surrey has been hit with its second weather warning of the week as forecasters predict torrential showers and thunder on the horizon. After coming into effect from 10am this morning (Tuesday, October 8), the yellow warning for thunderstorms will remain in place for a total of 17-hours, ending at 3am on Wednesday.
This follows a similar warning that had been in place throughout Monday afternoon and evening as Surrey endured heavy downpours. Now the damp weather is looking to continue as a low pressure weather system dominates the week’s forecast.
In areas where heavy showers do develop on Tuesday, standing surface water and persistent rain could lead to difficult driving conditions, meaning journeys may take longer. Public transport services, including buses and trains, could also see delays and cancellations as a result of the adverse conditions.
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Where showers are at their heaviest, the Met Office states that flooding of homes and businesses is likely, leading to some damage to structures. Properties may also be damaged by lightning strikes, while some may experience power cuts and a loss of other services amid the stormy weather.
The warning goes on to state: “Showers and thunderstorms will spread from the south west, as well as developing over land, during the morning, lasting through the afternoon and well into the evening. Whilst some areas will miss these, where they develop 20-30mm of rain within 2-3 hours, with a small chance that a few places could receive 40-50mm over a longer period - especially across the south east of the area this evening.
“Hail and lightning will be additional hazards, with a risk of temporary hail accumulations in places.” Strong winds will join the thundery conditions in the south, reaching up to 40mph at times.
Weather maps indicate that heavy showers will arrive in Surrey from the early evening at around 5pm. Downpours in excess of 32mm an hour could drench Guildford, Woking and Epsom throughout the evening, with heavy rains then continuing overnight for much of the county.
More heavy showers are likely again across the south east on Wednesday, but are looking to be less widespread than those forecast today. Drier and colder conditions are expected from Thursday into the weekend, with a chance for some overnight frosts to develop, particularly in rural areas.
Safety advice
During spells of heavy rain, the public is advised to check if their property is at risk of flooding and, if it is, prepare a flood plan and an emergency flood kit. Advice for staying safe during flooding includes charging mobile devices, parking vehicles outside flood zones, storing valuables up high such as electrical equipment and important documents as well as turning off gas, water and electrical supplies.
It is safer not to drive during heavy rainfall, but if you must, you can drive safely by slowing down, keeping to main roads, using dipped headlights, giving yourself more time to react on slippery surfaces and keeping a bigger gap between vehicles. It is not safe to drive, walk or swim through flood water so avoid it where possible and if you are affected by fast flowing or deep water call 999 and wait for assistance.
Help to protect the vulnerable people that you know, including older people, those with underlying conditions and those who live alone: they may need support with food and medical supplies. If you are worried about your health or that of somebody you know, ring NHS 111. Further advice can be found on the Met Office website here.
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