Met Office Alerts Wales to Potential Thunderstorms
Wales is bracing for potential thunderstorms, with the Met Office issuing a yellow weather warning for the entire country. The warning, which is in place from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm on Wednesday, July 12, 2023, highlights the risk of heavy showers and thunderstorms, potentially bringing with them disruption to travel and power outages.
Here's what you need to know:
What to Expect
- Heavy showers and thunderstorms: These could be intense, producing a lot of rain in a short period.
- Hail: Some areas could experience hail, which can damage property and vehicles.
- Strong winds: Gusts of wind could cause disruption to travel and damage trees.
- Flash flooding: Heavy rain could lead to localized flooding, especially in areas with poor drainage.
- Power outages: Lightning strikes could damage power lines, causing outages in some areas.
Staying Safe
- Stay informed: Keep an eye on weather forecasts and warnings from the Met Office.
- Avoid unnecessary travel: If possible, postpone any non-essential journeys during the warning period.
- Drive carefully: Reduce your speed and be extra cautious on the roads, especially in heavy rain.
- Be aware of your surroundings: Pay attention to the weather conditions and be prepared for potential hazards.
- Seek shelter indoors: If you are caught in a thunderstorm, seek shelter indoors or in a hard-top vehicle.
- Stay away from trees: Tall trees can be struck by lightning, so avoid standing under them during a thunderstorm.
- Avoid contact with water: Flooded areas can be dangerous, so stay away from them.
Impact on Transportation
- Roads: Heavy rain and flooding can cause road closures and delays.
- Railways: Disruptions to train services are possible due to flooding or lightning strikes.
- Air travel: Thunderstorms can cause delays or cancellations to flights.
The Met Office emphasizes that while a yellow warning is in place, it does not mean that thunderstorms are guaranteed. However, they advise taking precautions and being prepared for the possibility of severe weather.
Stay safe and stay informed!
