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Met Office issues yellow thunderstorm warning for Kent

11:35, 12 August 2019

updated: 18:03, 12 August 2019

The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for Kent.

Thunderstorms and heavy showers are expected to hit the county today.

It comes after high winds of around 60mph caused disruption and cancellation of events over the weekend.

Thunder and lightning can be expected today. Picture: Jason Arthur
Thunder and lightning can be expected today. Picture: Jason Arthur

The warning is in place from now until 7pm tonight.

Flooding may occur in homes and businesses, with damage to some buildings from lightning strikes, floodwater or hail.

Spray and sudden flooding could lead to difficult driving conditions and some road closures.

Trains and buses may be delayed or cancelled, so passengers are being urged to check for updates before you leave.

The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for Kent. Picture: Met Office
The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for Kent. Picture: Met Office

There is also a slight chance of power cuts, which comes after a major power cut affected large parts of the UK on Friday.

Kent County Council has said where thunderstorms do occur, 25mm of rainfall is possible in less than an hour, and 40 to 60mm in two to three hours.

To stay safe during the storm, the Met Office has offered some helpful advice:

  • When you hear thunder, you are already within range of where the next ground flash may occur, lightning can strike as far as 10 miles away from the centre of a storm - so it's best to find shelter
  • Avoid using landline phones as telephone lines can conduct electricity

A Tonbridge festival was cancelled at the weekend due to bad weather

  • If outside, stay away from water, trees, poles, or metal objects
  • Avoid activities such as golf or rod fishing
  • Be aware of metal objects that can conduct or attract lightning, including umbrellas, bicycles, pushchairs and metal fences
  • After the thunderstorm, avoid going near broken power lines or cables
  • If you are caught out in your car in the thunderstorm, wind up the windows and stay inside the vehicle. Most cars have a metal roof and frame, which will act as a conductive cage, passing the current around the passengers inside and into the ground

For all the forecasts, warnings and weather related news, click here

Read more: All the latest news from Kent

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