Met Office issues thunderstorm warning for Northern Ireland

Heavy showers and thunderstorms are likely to lead to travel disruption and flash flooding in some places

The Met Office has issued a weather warning across Northern Ireland on Wednesday.

A yellow warning for thunderstorms will be in effect from 12noon on August 19 and last until 23:59 affecting all counties.

The forecaster said: “Heavy showers and thunderstorms are likely to lead to travel disruption and flash flooding in some places.”

The Met Office added: “A band of heavy showers is expected to spread across Northern Ireland from west to east late morning and early afternoon, with further slow-moving heavy showers or thunderstorms developing later.

“Within these showers, 15-20 mm of rain is likely in an hour or less, with a few places probably seeing 25-30 mm in a couple of hours. While rain will be the primary hazard, hail and lightning are also likely in places.”

As for what to expect during the yellow weather warning, the Met Office has issued some details.

They said:

• There is a good chance driving conditions will be affected by spray, standing water and/or hail, leading to longer journey times by car and bus
• Some flooding of a few homes and businesses likely, leading to some damage to buildings or structures
• Probably some damage to a few buildings and structures from lightning strikes
• Delays to train services are possible
• Some short-term loss of power and other services is likely

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