Storm Betty hits the UK, heavy rain and thunderstorms hit commuters

Friday, August 18, 2023

Heavy rain and thunderstorms hit commuters across large parts of England on Friday morning.

Storm Betty, named by Met Eireann, is expected to bring more severe weather as it moves in from the Atlantic on Friday afternoon.

Half a month’s rain could fall in some parts and warnings have been issued for thunderstorms and high winds.

The forecast is expected to improve on Saturday with sunny spells and showers for the rest of the weekend.

A yellow warning for thunderstorms is in place from 06:00 BST until 12:00 across the West Midlands and the south of England.

Friday morning commuters were told to expect travel disruption and there were warnings that some homes and businesses could be flooded or hit by lightning. Short-term power cuts were also possible.

Around 30mm-40mm (1in-1.5in) fell in some areas. The average monthly rainfall in August is usually around 63mm (2.5in) of rain falls across south-east England.

A yellow warning alert for wind will come into effect at 18:00 on Friday as Storm Betty is expected to bring very strong gusts lasting until midday on Saturday.

The strongest of around 60mph-70mph (97km-113km) are expected along the south-western coasts of England and Wales.

Gusts of 40-50mph could also affect much of south-west England, Wales, the east of Northern Ireland, south-west Scotland and the Cumbrian coast.

A second thunderstorm warning covering the East Midlands, the east and south-east of England and London will come into effect at 20:00 on Friday and last until 05:00 on Saturday.

Heavy and thundery rain will spread across many parts of the UK on Friday night with the potential for some large hail, especially in East Anglia, Kent and East Sussex. Significant rainfall is also expected in Northern Ireland.

A weather warning will be in place from 21:00 on Friday to 06:00 on Saturday. Around a months’ worth of rain – 40mm-80mm – could fall in hilly areas and around 15mm-25mm elsewhere.

The Met Office said bus and train services could be affected and trees and temporary structures like marquees and tents could be damaged.

Met Office meteorologist Rachel Ayers explained showers should begin to fall in the south-west of England and South Wales before growing in intensity as they move eastwards.

Conditions should brighten up on Saturday with sunshine, accompanied by showers and blustery conditions, with heavy rain likely to be confined to north-east Scotland.

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