Thunder and Lightning Over London: Met Office Warns of Flooding and Travel Disruptions

In the early hours of Thursday morning, London was struck by a severe thunderstorm described by many as “biblical” in its intensity. The Met Office has issued two yellow weather warnings, alerting residents to the potential for flooding and significant travel disruptions throughout the day.

The storm, characterized by massive lightning flashes and thunderous roars, roused numerous Londoners from their sleep. This alarming weather event is expected to last until 10 am, with similar warnings extending to much of western England and south Wales.

Despite the stormy start, Thursday might still set the record for this year’s warmest day in many parts of the country. However, temperatures in London are predicted to peak at a modest 19°C.

Social media users shared their astonishment and experiences online. One person recounted their shock, stating, “I spent 2 years in the Tampa Bay, home of the lightning and never experienced a storm like that! Literally thought a bomb had gone off over London.” Another user echoed this sentiment, describing the ongoing storm over London as “crazy” and akin to a “proper movie set thunder and lightning.”

The Met Office has cautioned that the stormy conditions could lead to “difficult driving conditions and some road closures,” as well as possible delays or cancellations in train and bus services. There’s also a slight risk of power outages.

Marco Petagna, a Met Office meteorologist, provided some insights into the coming days. “After a night of storms, the rain will ease in the south of England for a while tomorrow,” he explained. “We could see the skies brightening up in a few places, and it will be another warm day. Parts of the South East could even get to 24 degrees and beat today’s temperatures.”

However, Petagna warned that the clearing skies and rising temperatures might trigger additional thundery showers in the afternoon. He described the weather outlook as “a bit unsettled” and “changeable” over the next few days.

While the southern regions grapple with heavy rainfall, the northern areas are expected to remain dry and warm, presenting a stark contrast in weather patterns across the country.

As the Bank Holiday weekend approaches, the forecast remains uncertain, with Petagna noting a “very mixed picture” for the upcoming days. This variability in weather underscores the need for residents and travelers to stay informed and prepared.