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Met Office thunderstorm warning as 9 areas told prepare emergency kit list

The Met Office has issued a new weather warning for thunderstorms covering nine areas in the UK as low pressure systems sweep in from the Atlantic

[Multiple blue and purple coloured forked lightning strikes contacting the ground at night during a summer electrical thunderstorm in South Africa with silhouetted trees in the foreground.]

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Thunderstorms are on the cards today (file)(Image: Getty Images)

Brits are being warned of brutal thunderstorms with the Met Office advising people to prepare an "emergency flood kit".

Following the warmest spring on record for England and Wales, parts of the country are now being battered by heavy rain, wind and lightning as stormy conditions arrive.

The Met Office has now issued a yellow warning for thunderstorms in part of Scotland which runs from 3pm until 10pm today. The national weather agency says people should prepare an emergency kit in the nine areas covered by the warning.

"Consider if your location is at risk of flash flooding. If so, consider preparing a flood plan and an emergency flood kit," it says. "People cope better with power cuts when they have prepared for them in advance. Its easy to do; consider gathering torches and batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essential items."

England and Wales had their warmest spring on record this year, thanks partly to the exceptionally early heatwave that hit the UK at the end of May.

But now the weather has turned with low pressure systems sweeping in and parts of southeast England received more rain in 24 hours than during the whole of April and May.

The Met Office also states for people within the area covered by the storm warning: "Give yourself the best chance of avoiding delays by checking road conditions if driving, or bus and train timetables, amending your travel plans if necessary.

"If you find yourself outside and hear thunder, protect yourself by finding a safe enclosed shelter (such as a car). Do not shelter under or near trees, or other structures which may be struck by lightning. If you are on an elevated area move to lower ground.

[The yellow warning from the Met Office]

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The yellow warning from the Met Office(Image: Met Office)

"Be prepared for weather warnings to change quickly: when a weather warning is issued, the Met Office recommends staying up to date with the weather forecast in your area."

People travelling are also being told to take care with standing water and even hail causing possible delays, while there could be damage to buildings from lightning strikes.

The Met Office says: "Probably some damage to a few buildings and structures from lightning strikes. There is a good chance driving conditions will be affected by spray, standing water and/or hail, leading to longer journey times by car and bus.

"Delays to train services are possible. Some short term loss of power and other services is likely. Some flooding of a few homes and businesses likely, leading to some damage to buildings or structures."

Areas covered by Met Office thunderstorm warning

• Angus
• Clackmannanshire
• Dundee
• Fife
• Perth and Kinross
• Aberdeen
• Aberdeenshire
• Moray
• Highland

Met Office's latest weather forecast

The forecast from the Met Office for tonight reads: "Showers easing this evening, but a few continuing overnight, mainly across the north and west. Clear spells developing for a time, but further rain reaching western parts by dawn, where it will also turn breezy."

And for Wednesday it is a similar picture: "A band of rain will move eastwards throughout Wednesday, becoming slow-moving across parts of Scotland. A mix of sunshine and showers following, with heaviest showers in the north."

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