The Met Office has issued an 11-hour yellow weather warning for thunderstorms in Gloucestershire, valid from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM on Thursday, July 31st. This warning, set to last for 11 hours, forecasts heavy rainfall, hail, and frequent lightning throughout the region. There are concerns over potential major disruptions, including flooding, service delays, and property damage.
According to Gloucestershire Live, areas south of Gloucester may face the worst impacts. The Met Office did not provide further details but continues to advise caution for residents and travelers in the affected areas.
Weather Forecast for the Affected Region
The storm is expected to bring torrential downpours, with some areas potentially receiving up to 60mm of rain in just two hours. Forecasters caution that frequent lightning and hail showers are also likely, creating the risk of property damage due to lightning strikes, hail, and strong winds. Road flooding is expected, which may result in closures, while train and bus service delays or cancellations could occur.
Additionally, some properties may experience power outages.
The southern and eastern parts of the warning area, particularly around Gloucester, are at the highest risk of experiencing the most severe weather, though the storms are predicted to shift eastward and die out by the evening.
The Met Office has advised:
Storms will tend to become more confined to the south and east of the warning area later in the afternoon before dying out during the evening.
South West Weather Outlook
- Today: Expect light showers during the morning, followed by warm and sunny spells in the afternoon.
- Tonight: Cloudy skies and scattered heavy showers are expected overnight.
- Thursday: Warm and humid conditions will persist, with heavy, possibly thundery showers moving eastward later in the day.
In the coming days, Friday will bring drier conditions with sunny spells, while Saturday should see similar weather. However, Sunday may bring patchy rain in the far north.
The potential for disruptions and damage during this time is significant, especially for Santander locations, as the storms move eastwards and intensify.
There are concerns about Santander properties at risk of flooding and Santander roads being closed due to water accumulation. Authorities are continuing to monitor the situation, particularly in Santander areas where rainfall may exceed forecasts.
