Met Office tells Brits to gather batteries and torches in 17 areas – full list

Met Office tells Brits to gather batteries and torches in 17 areas – full list Another yellow thunderstorm warning has been issued for parts of east England, as the Met Office warns thunderstorms could bring flooding, lightning and hail overnight The Met Office has warned that thunderstorms could bring flooding, lightning and hail overnight to 17 areas in England. The weather service has issued another yellow warning for thunderstorms, in place from 5pm today (Thursday) until 7am tomorrow (Friday) across parts of east and south-east England, the East Midlands and Yorkshire and Humber. The Met Office said heavy, thundery rain is expected to develop across France this afternoon before moving north across, or close to, parts of east and south-east England overnight. While there is a chance the rain could remain offshore in the North Sea, it is more likely than not to affect at least some areas covered by the warning. Those affected "could see frequent lightning, hail and strong, gusty winds, in addition to heavy rain", the weather service warned. Some areas could receive up to 50mm of rain, with much of this falling in less than three hours. There is also a small chance that some places could see up to 75mm. Areas covered by yellow thunderstorm warning East Midlands - Lincolnshire East England - Cambridgeshire - Essex - Norfolk - Peterborough - Southend-on-Sea - Suffolk - Thurrock South-east England - Kent - Medway Yorkshire & Humber - East Riding of Yorkshire - Kingston upon Hull - North East Lincolnshire - North Lincolnshire The Met Office warned that while there is a "lot of uncertainty in the development and track of this weather system", impacts currently look most likely in the north of the warning area later in the night, with clearer and drier conditions expected to follow from the south. It said there is a small chance that homes and businesses could be flooded quickly or damaged by floodwater, lightning, hail and strong winds. There is also a risk to life from fast-flowing or deep floodwater. Flooding could cause travel disruption and road closures, and some communities could become cut off. Power cuts and other service outages are also possible. The weather service has urged people in affected areas to consider whether their location is at risk of flash flooding and, if so, prepare a flood plan and emergency flood kit, along with taking other precautions. This includes securing moveable objects or temporary structures, such as bins and garden furniture, and keeping torches and batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essential items to hand in case of a power cut. Anyone who hears thunder while outside is advised to seek shelter in a safe, enclosed space, such as a car, and avoid sheltering under or near trees or other structures.