Met Office names six areas facing power cuts on Tuesday and warns 'get prepared'

Six areas of the UK have been put on alert for power cuts tomorrow (Tuesday) as they brace for thunderstorms and rain. The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for thunderstorms in the whole of Northern Ireland from midday tomorrow until 9pm. The forecaster warned that some short term loss of power and other services is "likely" as it urged people to take precautionary measures. It said: "People cope better with power cuts when they have prepared for them in advance. It’s easy to do; consider gathering torches and batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essential items." The national weather agency explained that showers will develop on Tuesday morning and become heavy and "locally thundery" in the afternoon. These will be "slow-moving" and bring significant downpours, the forecaster said, with 20 to 30mm of rain predicted "in an hour or two". The Met Office warning states: "Strong and gusty winds and hail will also be possible with the heaviest showers. Showers should slowly ease from the west into the evening." Besides power cuts, people in the six areas targeted by the warning have also been asked to consider whether their homes and businesses are at risk of flash flooding and prepare accordingly. People should also check road conditions before making any journeys, regardless of how they plan to travel. The Met Office said: "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." Areas impacted by Met Office thunderstorm warning - County Antrim - County Armagh - County Down - County Fermanagh - County Londonderry - County Tyrone Meanwhile, the Met Office has forecast showers in Scotland and the west of the UK tomorrow. It's forecast said: "Outbreaks of heavy rain in the north with the risk of thunder. Scattered showers in the south with the odd thunderstorm. Vary warm and humid. Windy in the north."