An amber weather warning has been issued by the Met Office, warning of severe thunderstorms across several areas in the UK. The storm is expected to bring heavy rainfall, hail, strong winds, and lightning, which could lead to flooding and travel problems. The warning remains in place from Friday evening through early Saturday, especially in South East England, East of England, parts of Wales, and the West Midlands.
Heavy rainfall could quickly overwhelm drainage systems, especially in urban areas. The Met Office has warned of 30 to 80mm of rain in just a few hours, which increases the chances of flash floods. Roads may become blocked, train services could be delayed, and homes may suffer power cuts.
⚠️ Amber met office warning ⚠️ for thunderstorms now in force for SE England, and East Anglia tonight, particularly E Sussex, Kent, Essex up to Suffolk. Very large #hail of 3cm is possible with frequent cloud to ground #lightning, very strong wind gusts and torrential rain.… pic.twitter.com/JwS7RUC47n
— WEATHER/ METEO WORLD (@StormchaserUKEU) June 13, 2025
Key Risks and Safety Tips
People living in areas under the amber warning should take steps to stay safe. Strong winds and flooding can create dangerous situations, especially on the roads or in open spaces. Here are some important points to remember:
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Avoid travel if possible during storm hours
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Stay indoors to reduce risk from lightning
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Keep mobile phones charged in case of power loss
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Avoid walking or driving through flood water
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Secure outdoor furniture or loose objects that could be blown away
Emergency services are on standby, and local councils are monitoring the situation closely. People are encouraged to check the Met Office website or local news for updates and only travel if necessary. Those living in low-lying or flood-prone areas should prepare in advance and move valuables to higher ground.