Alexander Sammon
Updated on: October 8, 2024 10:04 am GMT
Severe Weather Hits Southeast England and Beyond
Several regions in Southeast England are experiencing significant rainfall, with some areas receiving more than half of their expected monthly precipitation within a single day. The Met Office reported that Goudhurst in Kent recorded 29.4mm (1.16 inches) of rain, while Farnham in Surrey saw 28.4mm (1.12 inches). Despite a yellow weather warning for heavy rain being initially set to last until late Friday, it was lifted several hours early.
Flooding Results in Road Closures
As a result of the heavy rainfall, numerous roads across Kent, Sussex, and Surrey have been closed due to flooding. In East Sussex, the A21 between Johns Cross and Baldslow was shut down, and West Sussex reported an closure on the A24 at Ashington because of floodwaters on the carriageway. National Highways has implemented diversion routes and officials have urged drivers to “drive to weather conditions and allow extra journey time.
Environment Agency officials have maintained a flood alert for the Scrase Bridge and West Common streams in Haywards Heath and Lindfield. They indicated that further showers are expected, which could lead to rapid river rises and potential flooding following intense downpours. Local businesses are also responding to the weather, as evidenced by the temporary closure of the Oceanside Cafe in Bexhill, which cited safety concerns for staff and customers.
Gatwick Airport Experiences Flight Delays
At Gatwick Airport, flight operations have been impacted by the severe weather conditions, with average delays of approximately 40 minutes reported. Grahame Madge from the Met Office noted, “Within the warning area, we will see some heavy outbreaks of rain, possibly accompanied by lightning.” Travelers planning to fly are advised to check for updates regarding their flights prior to heading to the airport.
Warnings for Thunderstorms Across the UK
In addition to the heavy rain, the Met Office has put out a warning for thunderstorms across various parts of the UK, with particular emphasis on the northern regions. Residents in England, Scotland, and Wales are encouraged to “unplug appliances and prepare an emergency kit,” as thunderstorms are anticipated to bring heavy downpours, lightning strikes, and the possibility of power surges.
The Met Office has highlighted that some locations could receive between 30 to 40 mm of rain in under an hour, and in certain areas, total rainfall might reach 60 to 80 mm. They recommend that everyone unplug non-essential appliances to mitigate the risk of power surges during the storms.
Safety Advice During Severe Weather
The Met Office also provided important safety tips during thunderstorms, emphasizing that individuals should take necessary precautions, including:
- Unplugging non-essential appliances to prevent power surges
- Avoiding landline phones during storms as they can conduct electricity
- Seeking shelter if possible
- Finding a low-lying area that is a safe distance from trees, poles, or metal objects if caught outside
If hair stands on end, this could signal an imminent lightning strike, and individuals should adopt a protective position, squatting with hands on knees and tucking in their heads.
Possible Transportation Disruptions
Residents across the affected areas should also be aware of potential disruptions to public transportation. Train services and bus routes may experience delays or cancellations due to adverse weather conditions, including reported lightning strikes and flooding in specific locations. Authorities have advised commuters to check for real-time updates on public transport before setting out.
Outlook and Preparedness
As the weather continues to develop across the UK, residents are advised to remain vigilant and prepared for severe conditions. With more thunderstorms expected in the coming days, adherence to safety guidelines and updates from the Met Office will be crucial in navigating the adverse weather.
For those facing outages, it is recommended to report power cuts by calling 105 instead of contacting individual energy suppliers.
Keep an eye on local news and weather reports to stay safe and ready for any surprising changes in the weather.
