Households in six areas in the UK have been urged to collect batteries and torches on Tuesday. it comes after the Met Office issued a thunderstorm warning spanning nine hours.
Weather conditions on Tuesday are likely to remain unsettled, with several parts of the country to be battered by heavy rain. The new weather warning from the Met Office will come in place from 12pm until 9pm on Tuesday (August 4), impacting large parts of Northern Ireland. According to the national weather forecaster, the unsettled conditions may impact homes and businesses, with the possibility of damage to buildings and structures from flooding. There is also a chance of short term loss of power and other services on Tuesday.
The Met Office said: “There is a good chance driving conditions will be affected by spray, standing water and/or hail, leading to longer journey times by car and bus.”
The forecaster explained: “Showers will develop Tuesday morning, becoming heavy and locally thundery into the afternoon.
“Whilst some areas will miss these, where they do develop they will be slow-moving, bringing 20-30 mm of rain in an hour or two.
“Strong and gusty winds and hail will also be possible with the heaviest showers. Showers should slowly ease from the west into the evening.”
Issuing guidance for Britons in the even of any expected power cuts, the Met Office said: “Make sure you have multiple torches along with extra batteries.”
People are being advised to take several precautions ahead of any potential power outage, including ensuring mobile phones are fully charged so they can be used in an emergency.
Important documents should be kept in a safe and easily accessible place, while fridges and freezers should remain closed, ideally covered with a blanket, to help preserve their contents for several hours.
Residents are also encouraged to check on elderly neighbours and make sure they are prepared for any disruption.
In addition, appliances such as irons, ovens, electric heaters and fryers should be switched off, as they could pose a safety risk if power is restored while no one is present.