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Floods

Torrential Rain and Flash Flooding Warning Issued Across Southern England

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Heavy rain, hail, and lightning are set to cause disruption to roads and public transport across parts of southern England, with a yellow thunderstorm warning issued by the Met Office. The warning, which covers London, Bristol, Oxford, Southampton, Kent, and Ipswich, is in place from 10am until 9pm on Thursday. Residents in areas at risk of flash flooding have been advised to prepare emergency kits and consider flood plans to minimize damage.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Met Office has issued a yellow thunderstorm warning for southern England, covering London, Bristol, Oxford, Southampton, Kent, and Ipswich from 10am to 9pm on Thursday.
  • The storm is expected to bring heavy rain, hail, and lightning, with up to 60mm of rainfall possible within two hours in some areas.
  • The Environment Agency has warned of possible flash flooding, with impacts on homes, buildings, and travel disruption expected.
  • Motorists are advised to check road closures and be aware of difficult driving conditions, with a small chance of damage to buildings from floodwater, lightning strikes, or strong winds.
  • Areas at risk include East of England, Central Bedfordshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Luton, Southend-on-Sea, Suffolk, Thurrock, and parts of London and the South East.
  • A list of areas covered by the weather warning includes multiple counties in Southern England, as well as parts of the Midlands.

Statistics:

  • Up to 60mm of rainfall possible within two hours in some areas.
  • 25-35mm of rain expected to fall within an hour in some places.
  • Frequent lightning and hail expected in some areas.
  • Small chance of damage to buildings from floodwater, lightning strikes, or strong winds.

Sources:

  • Met Office weather warning (https://s3.amazonaws.com/met-office-warnings/20230721_142F1000-4423-4F53-909D-2881205FBC97_1057)
  • Environment Agency flood warnings (https://www.gov.uk/environment-agency/flood-warning-summaries)
  • BBC News article (24 July 2023) (https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-south-yorkshire-65545946)

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