Met Office issues yellow weather warning for lightning and snow

A yellow weather warning for lightning and snow has been issued for much of Scotland and Northern Ireland.

The Met Office has warned of the possibility of 10 to 20cm of snow on higher ground, along with strong blustery winds and a chance of showers that could be accompanied by frequent lightning.

The warning is in effect from 5pm on Wednesday until 8pm on Thursday.

Chance of injuries and danger to life

The Met Office warning said there was a small chance of longer journey times or cancellations as road, rail, air and ferry services are affected, as well as a chance some vehicles and passengers could become stranded.

It said there was a slight chance power cuts could occur and that rural communities could be cut off.

The Met Office also warned there was a small chance of injuries and danger to life from lightning strikes.

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Flood barriers breached

It comes after flood barriers were breached and “danger to life” warnings issued as the extreme weather hitting the UK showed no signs of easing.

Around 400 properties have flooded across different parts of the country as a result of heavy rain that was brought by Storm Franklin.

In Bewdley, Worcestershire, water from the River Severn has breached the town’s flood defences, causing serious damage to a number of homes.

The Environment Agency (EA) has issued a severe flood warning for the area, meaning there is a danger to life.

The area behind the breached barriers has been evacuated and residents have been urged not to return.

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A severe warning was also issued along the River Severn at the Wharfage in Ironbridge, Shropshire, where water levels peaked at 6.6m on Wednesday morning, though it was later lifted.

A flood reception centre has been set up and Shropshire Council leader, Lezley Picton, said many areas of the county are underwater.

Flood duty manager at the EA, Katharine Smith, said significant river flooding is expected in the coming days and urged people to remain “vigilant”.

“Heavy rain, affecting already wet areas, is likely to cause significant river flooding along the River Severn over the next few days,” she added.

“So far we have received reports of around 400 properties having flooded over the past few days. Our thoughts go out to all those affected – flooding can and does have a devastating impact on people’s lives.”

It comes as many parts of the country are recovering from three storms in the past week – Dudley, Eunice, and Franklin – which left 1.4 million homes without power.

The Energy Networks Association said 1,800 customers were still without power.

Sky News reporter Katie Barnfield is in Bewdley, where she said the impact of the storms is “devastating”.

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“The river levels are still predicted to rise by another 10cm so it could get even worse with some serious damage to the properties that are around here,” she said.

“Last night people were advised to leave the area, leave their homes, and most people have done but we have still seen some people.

“People here are pretty angry, this is the second serious flood they have had now in two years. The last one was in 2020, but they have been told they’re not actually going to get permanent flood barriers until at least 2024.”

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Environment Secretary George Eustice said 40,000 homes had been protected by flood defences, as he was quizzed on flooding and the lack of permanent defences on the River Severn at the National Farmers’ Union conference.

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