WEATHER WARNINGS: Thunderstorms, Flash Flood Risk and Hosepipe Bans Spark Safety Alert in the UK

Large parts of the UK are set to face intense thunderstorms, flash flooding and widespread disruption over the weekend as multiple weather warnings take effect. 

With warnings issued for nearly all of England, Scotland, Wales and parts of Northern Ireland, authorities are urging the public to prepare for severe conditions that may include torrential rain, hail, lightning and surface water flooding.

Representational Image: Amazing Nature

The Met Office has issued four yellow and amber alerts covering different regions between Saturday and Monday, with southern areas such as London already hit by early downpours. Urban flooding remains a major concern as rainfall accumulates quickly on impermeable surfaces. 

Delays on road and rail networks are expected, with the risk of localised power outages and potential property damage.

Heavy, thundery showers have been rumbling across northeast England this afternoon ⛈️

Here's the latest radar 👇 pic.twitter.com/a1tYbSvmbO

— Met Office (@metoffice) July 18, 2025

While thunderstorms dominate forecasts, the country continues to deal with longer-term drought conditions. 

Southern Water has announced a hosepipe ban from Monday across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, citing the need to protect fragile water sources like chalk streams. The move follows record-breaking dry months, with parts of the Midlands now officially in drought and rainfall for June nearly 20 per cent below average.

As Britain faces both extremes—soaked streets and water restrictions—residents are being encouraged to prepare sensibly. Here are five practical safety tips to help households stay protected during the weekend weather:

1. Assess Flood Risk to Your Property
   Check whether your home is located in a flood-prone area. If it is, prepare an emergency flood plan and pack a flood kit that includes essentials like bottled water, torches, and copies of important documents.

2. Know How to Stay Safe During Flooding
   If flooding occurs, move valuables and electronics to higher ground. Keep your car out of flood zones if possible. Turn off water, electricity, and gas supplies if instructed, and if trapped by rising water, move to the highest safe level in the building. Avoid going into attics without escape routes, and only go to a roof if absolutely necessary.

3. Driving in Storms and Flood Conditions
   Avoid driving during active thunderstorms. If travel is unavoidable, stick to main roads, reduce speed, keep headlights on low beam, and increase the distance between vehicles. Never drive through floodwater—it may be deeper and more dangerous than it appears.

4. Prepare for a Power Cut
   Keep torches, batteries, and a phone power bank charged and accessible. If power goes out, switch off all non-essential appliances and leave one light on to signal when power is restored. Check on neighbours, wrap up warm, and use portable heaters if central heating fails. For updates, call 105—a free service in England, Scotland, and Wales.

5. Protect Your Property and Others
   Secure or bring indoors loose outdoor items like bins, plant pots, trampolines, and garden furniture. Sheds and outbuildings should be locked. Avoid going outside during storms to assess damage. Stay away from trees and high structures, and if caught outside, shelter in a car or low-lying area—not under trees.

With a mix of extreme rain, water shortages, and travel hazards, the weekend ahead requires vigilance. While forecasts suggest there may be breaks of sun between systems, the overall trend points to unstable and unpredictable weather. Storm conditions are likely to continue into early next week, with more warnings expected as the unsettled spell persists.