Thunderstorm warnings for Surrey and East Hampshire to last several days

The first goes up tomorrow evening (16 June)

Author: Carol MusgravePublished 15th Jun 2021
Last updated 15th Jun 2021

The Met Office has issued thunderstorm warnings over the next few days for Surrey and East Hampshire.

The first goes up tomorrow evening (16 June) at 6pm, and lasts through to 23:59 on Thursday (17 June).

The next yellow alert goes up at 9am on Friday (18 June) and will be in place until 9am on Saturday (19 June).

Of the alert for later today, the Met Office says:

"Although there remains significant uncertainty in location and timing, areas of thunderstorms are expected to move northeast across parts of England and Wales from late Wednesday through to Friday morning.

"Whilst not all locations will be affected, some intense thunderstorms may occur during this period with torrential rain, hail, frequent lightning and strong gusty winds possible.

"Rainfall totals of around 30 mm could fall in an hour, with some locations potentially receiving around 50 mm in 2-3 hours, although these will be fairly isolated."

For Friday's warning, the Met Office says:

"Another spell of thundery rain is expected to push north across England and east Wales through Friday morning, persisting for much of the day, before clearing early on Saturday.

"There is some uncertainty in storm coverage, particularly western extent, but where they do develop torrential rain, intense thunderstorms, hail and frequent lightning are all possible.

"Rainfall totals of 20-40 mm, perhaps 60 mm in a few areas, are possible in 12 hours. With the most intense storms, 30-40 mm could fall in an hour or two.

"The storms should clear into the North Sea during Saturday morning."

The storms could cause travel disruption, with difficult driving conditions and some road closures.

There is a small chance of flooding to homes and businesses as well as damage to buildings from floodwater, lightning strikes, hail and strong winds.

Power supplies could also be affected.

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