Key facts
- Warning type
- Yellow thunderstorm warning
- Duration
- 10 hours (midday to 10pm Tuesday)
- Areas covered
- 14 local authority areas in Scotland
- Additional warning
- Northern Ireland until 9pm Tuesday
- Possible rainfall
- 15-20mm in one hour; 30-40mm in three hours
- Hazards
- Heavy rain, lightning, hail, strong winds
Background
The Met Office has issued a yellow thunderstorm warning covering 14 local authority areas in Scotland. The warning is in force from midday on Tuesday until 10pm the same day, according to the forecaster.
A separate yellow thunderstorm warning remains in force across all six counties of Northern Ireland until 9pm on Tuesday. The warnings are part of the Met Office's severe weather alert system, which aims to give advance notice of potentially hazardous conditions.
Current situation
The Met Office forecast said: "Heavy and thundery showers are expected to develop this afternoon and continue into the early evening." It added that while not all places in the warning area will see heavy showers, accumulations of 15 to 20mm are possible in one hour and 30 to 40mm in three hours or so where they do occur.
Hail and lightning are additional hazards, the forecaster warned. There is a small chance that homes and businesses could be flooded quickly, with floodwater, lightning strikes, hail and strong winds potentially causing damage to buildings.
The 14 Scottish local authority areas covered by the warning include Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Dundee. The full list was not provided in the source.
Impacts
Sudden flooding could make driving conditions hazardous and lead to road closures. Flooding or lightning strikes may cause delays and some cancellations to train and bus services.
There is also a slight chance of power cuts and disruption to other services affecting homes and businesses. People are being urged to check road conditions and public transport before travelling.
Those living in areas at risk of flash flooding should consider preparing a flood plan and emergency kit, the Met Office advised.
Future outlook
Scenario analysis: The possibilities below are not certain predictions.
If the heavy showers develop as forecast, flash flooding and travel disruption could occur in the affected areas during the warning period. The situation may improve after 10pm when the warning expires.
Should the storms be more intense than expected, there is a possibility of more significant impacts, including property damage and power outages. However, the Met Office has indicated that not all places in the warning area will see heavy showers.
Residents and travellers are advised to stay updated with the latest forecasts and heed any further warnings from the Met Office.
Source: aol.co.uk
