Thunderstorm warning in Birmingham and the Black Country

An urgent thunderstorm warning has been issued by the Met Office with large swathes of the country including the Midlands set to be hit by storms. Thundery downpours are forecast on Tuesday (July 9) afternoon between 2pm and a minute before midnight.

The Met Office has issued a yellow thunderstorm warning said thunder and lightning could hit the region and further afield from Gloucestershire in the south west, to north Yorkshire in the east, all of Wales, and including Cheshire and Lancashire in the north west.

In our region the warning is in place for the West Midlands Conurbation, Staffordshire, Warwickshire, Worcestershire, Telford and Wrekin, Stoke , Shropshire and Herefordshire. The storm has a 'medium likelihood' but is expected to have a 'low impact', unless you get caught in the worst of it..

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The Met Office has said; “Heavy showers and thunderstorms are likely to break out this afternoon and move northwards, slowly dying out during the evening and first part of the night.

“Many places will miss these, but where they do occur, there is the chance of some localised impacts from heavy rain, as well as damage from lightning strikes. 10-20 mm of rain is possible in an hour or so, with some places potentially seeing 30 mm in a few hours.

“Some flooding of a few homes and businesses possible, leading to some damage to buildings or structures. Perhaps some damage to a few buildings and structures from lightning strikes

“There is a good chance driving conditions will be affected by spray, standing water, leading to longer journey times by car and bus.”

Householders are urged to consider if their home is at risk of flash flooding and to consider a flood plan and have ‘an emergency flood kit’. The Met Office advice states: “Give yourself the best chance of avoiding delays by checking road conditions if driving, or bus and train timetables, amending your travel plans if necessary.

“People cope better with power cuts when they have prepared for them in advance. It’s easy to do; consider gathering torches and batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essential items.

“If you find yourself outside and hear thunder, protect yourself by finding a safe enclosed shelter (such as a car). Do not shelter under or near trees, or other structures which may be struck by lightning. If you are on an elevated area move to lower ground.

“Be prepared for weather warnings to change quickly: when a weather warning is issued, the Met Office recommends staying up to date with the weather forecast in your area.”