Several parts of the country could be hit be severe flash flooding when thunderstorms and heavy rain hit later on tonight, The Mirror reports.
The Met Office has issued an amber ‘danger to life’ weather warning today ( Wednesday August 11).
It has warned that a great stretch of the country including Birmingham are in for more potentially ferocious weather for the rest of this evening.
Millions of Brits could find themselves at risk of flash flooding.
People in the affected areas are advised to be particularly careful when travelling and to avoid unnecessary journeys.
Communities in difficult to reach places have been warned that they may be cut off if the flooding is particularly bad.
Earlier today Chief meteorologist Steve Ramsdale said certain areas could see “exceptional rainfall totals could be seen of 60 millimetres in an hour with a very small chance of 150 millimetres of rainfall in three or four hours”.
Last night (Tuesday, August 11) lightening was seen in parts of the West Midlands, as the region was hit with thunderstorms.
This morning, The Environment Agency has five flood alerts posted for possible flooding in areas around Birmingham.
Similar weather conditions continues through tonight into Thursday which will have a downgraded yellow weather warning.
It will be another hot day with more showers expected in the afternoon. Temperatures will peak at 27C.
Friday will feel much cooler in comparison.
Overall in the UK, The Met Office has warned:
- There is a chance that fast flowing/deep water could suddenly occur, bringing a danger to life and extensive flooding of homes and businesses
- Damage to buildings/structures from lightning strikes, hail, strong winds may occur
- If flooding occurs, road closures with long delays and cancellations to bus and rail services are possible
- Rapidly changing, dangerous driving conditions from spray, sudden flooding, standing water and/or hail might occur
- Power and other essential services, such as gas, water, mobile phone service could be lost
- Communities might be completely cut off, perhaps for several days
What do yellow and amber warnings mean?
A yellow warning, means the Met Office is predicting storms. This is the prediction for the West Midlands on Thursday.
An amber warning means people should be on alert for flash flooding and building damage from lightning strikes, floodwaters and hailstones. Delays to public transport, difficult driving conditions and possible road closures could also follow, and deep and fast-flowing floodwater could be a threat to human life.
