UK weather: Large parts of England and Wales braced for thunderstorms – as Met Office warnings issued
Large parts of England and Wales are battling gusty winds, heavy rain and frequent lightning – as thunderstorm warnings come into effect.
The first of three Met Office warnings this weekend, which is in effect from 12pm until 8pm on Friday, stretches from the West Midlands to the South East and includes the South West. It also covers a large part of Wales, including Cardiff and Swansea.
The weather agency says lightning strikes during the storms will probably cause damage to buildings.
And with the possibility of up to 40mm (1.5in) of rain in three hours, it said driving may be affected by spray, standing water and/or hail. Power cuts are also likely, it added, with delays to trains possible.
The areas of England and Wales that are covered by the warning on Friday. Pic: Met Office
A woman battles with her umbrella during wind and rain in Winchester, Hampshire, on 5 September. Pic: PA
“A few thundery showers may be present across southern and southeast England early on Friday, but from the middle of the day they are expected to develop more widely within the warning area,” the Met Office said.
“Whilst some places will remain dry, where thundery showers do occur, they will bring frequent lightning, gusty winds, potentially some large hail, as well as brief spells of heavy rain.”
It added that there was “a very small chance of 30-40mm falling in three hours” across South West England.
A second thunderstorm warning for Saturday is in place for 23 hours, from 1am until midnight, and applies to an even larger area – covering the whole of Wales, and stretching as far as Liverpool, Stoke-on-Trent, Leicester and all of Cornwall.
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Saturday’s yellow weather warning. Pic: Met Office
The Met Office says thunderstorms and heavy showers are expected to cause disruption.
“Hail and frequent lightning may accompany the most intense storms, especially during Saturday afternoon and evening in parts of the Midlands, southern England and east Wales,” the Met Office said.
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Officials say there is a small chance that homes and businesses could be flooded rapidly, with fast flowing or deep floodwater causing “danger to life”.
They also warned there was a small chance some communities become cut off by flooded roads, with possible power cuts and cancellations to train and bus services.
On Sunday, a yellow warning for rain has now come into place for the East Midlands, east of England, London and South East, northwest England, southwest England, Wales, and the West Midlands.
The Met Office has warned of “significant” delays or cancellations to train and bus services, flooding, and difficult driving conditions.
Two women have died following reports of a stabbing in Milton Keynes on Christmas Day, police have said.
A dog injured in the incident in Bletchley also died after being taken to the vets.
A man and a teenage boy suffered serious injuries.
A 49-year-old man from Milton Keynes has been arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder and remains in custody.
Forensic officers at the scene. Pics: PA
Officers were called to a block of apartments in Santa Cruz Avenue just after 6.30pm on Christmas Day following reports of a stabbing.
The two women, aged 38 and 24, died at the scene, Thames Valley Police said. Their next of kin have been informed.
The injured man and teenage boy were taken to hospital and are both in a stable condition.
Police said the parties are known to each other.
Senior investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector Stuart Brangwin said: “Firstly I would like to extend my deepest condolences to the families of the women who have tragically died in this shocking incident.
“We have launched a double murder investigation, which may be concerning to the wider public; however, we have made an arrest and are not looking for anyone else in connection with this incident and the parties are known to each other.”
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