As Cumbria swelters in the heat, the Met Office has updated its warning for thunderstorms this weekend.
Earlier this week, it issued a yellow warning for thunderstorms for tomorrow, Sunday, but has since updated its warning to include this afternoon.
It said while many places will be largely dry, thunderstorms with heavy rain and hail are likely to develop in some places on Saturday afternoon.
What to expect
- 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
- Spray and sudden flooding could lead to difficult driving conditions and some road closures
- Where flooding or lightning strikes occur, there is a chance of delays and possibly even cancellations to rail services
- There is a slight chance that power cuts could occur and other services to some homes and businesses could be temporarily lost
The Met Office’s tips for staying safe in a thunderstorm
Before the thunderstorm
- Lightning can cause power surges, unplug any non-essential appliances if not already using a surge protector.
- 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.
During the thunderstorm
- 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
- Avoid activities such as golf, rod fishing or boating on a lake
- Be aware of metal objects that can conduct or attract lightning, including golf clubs, golf buggies, fishing rods, umbrellas, motorbikes, bicycles, wheelchairs, mobility scooters, pushchairs, wire fencing and rails. If you are in a tent, try to stay away from the metal poles
- If you find yourself in an exposed location it may be advisable to squat close to the ground, with hands on knees and with head tucked between them. Try to touch as little of the ground with your body as possible, do not lie down on the ground
- If you feel your hair stand on end, drop to the above position immediately
After the thunderstorm
- Avoid downed power lines or broken cables
- If someone is struck by lightning, they often suffer severe burns. The strike also affects the heart, so check if they have a pulse.
Driving in a thunderstorm
If you are caught out in thunder and lightning it is advised that you wind up the windows and stay inside your car. This is because in the vast majority of cars with a metal roof and frame, the frame will act as a conductive Faraday cage, passing the current around the passengers inside and on to the ground.
- Soft-top convertibles, with their fabric roofs, are the most at risk and could catch fire if struck by lightning
- Be aware that current can travel through other parts of many modern cars, including GPS and radio systems. Cars with metal interior handles, foot pedals and steering wheels can also carry current
- Cars can be damaged both internally and externally by lightning strikes
Thunderstorms can also bring a risk of sudden gusty winds, those most at risk would include cyclists, motorcyclists and high sided vehicles.
- Remember to give vulnerable road users including cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians more room than usual. They are more likely to be blown around by side winds – always keep a safe distance.
- Keep your speed down, lowering your speed will lower the distance you travel when buffeted around by the wind.
Hail storms can be extremely dangerous to drive in reducing your ability to see and be seen, as well as causing damage to your vehicle. If hail is severe, stop and pull over to a safe place and remain inside the vehicle
