Thu Sep 19 05:47:00 UTC 2024: ## Thunderstorms to Bring Lightning, Hail, and Power Cuts to England and Wales
**LONDON -** The Met Office has issued thunderstorm warnings for large parts of England and Wales, urging residents to prepare for potential disruptions due to heavy rain, frequent lightning, and large hail.
The first warning, active from 12 pm to 8 pm on Friday, covers the West Midlands, South East, South West, and a significant portion of Wales, including Cardiff and Swansea. Forecasters warn that lightning strikes could cause damage to buildings, while up to 40mm of rain in three hours could lead to hazardous driving conditions due to spray, standing water, and hail. Power outages are also likely, potentially causing delays in train services.
Saturday’s warning, in effect for 23 hours from 1 am to midnight, extends to encompass the entirety of Wales and stretches as far as Liverpool, Stoke-on-Trent, Leicester, and Cornwall. The Met Office expects thunderstorms and heavy showers to cause significant disruption, with frequent lightning and hail particularly intense during Saturday afternoon and evening in the Midlands, southern England, and east Wales.
The Met Office warns that flooding is possible, posing a risk to life due to fast-flowing or deep floodwater. There is also a small chance that communities could become isolated due to flooded roads, with potential power outages and cancellations of train and bus services.
Residents are urged to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to stay safe during the severe weather.
First Piper 