35,000 Lightning Strikes Hit England and Wales Overnight, Causing Widespread Damage

England and Wales brace for severe thunderstorms on Thursday as the Met Office issues a 12-hour warning for adverse weather conditions. Lightning strikes, sudden flooding, and strong winds are anticipated from 12pm to midnight, following a night of more than 35,000 lightning strikes in southern England.

The Met Office, warning for the region, effective from 11pm on Wednesday to 10am on Thursday, cautioning residents about the expected lightning strikes, sudden flooding, and strong winds. Overnight incidents include lightning damaging a care home in Elmer, West Sussex, and a university building in Chichester. Witnesses recount dramatic scenes as lightning strikes hit, causing damage and prompting emergency responses.

Why this matters: The severe thunderstorms pose a significant threat to public safety, with the potential to disrupt daily life and cause widespread damage to infrastructure. Moreover, the increasing frequency and intensity of such weather events highlight the need for communities to be better prepared and for policymakers to address the underlying climate-related factors contributing to these extreme weather conditions.

The severe weather has already taken its toll, with a care home in Elmer, West Sussex, and a university building in Chichester suffering roof and electrical damage due to lightning strikes. Fire crews were called to the care home at 1:44 am, and SSE attended to make the electrical supply safe. Residents were safely relocated, but the extent of the damage remains a concern.

Two yellow warnings for thunderstorms were issued by the Met Office, covering areas including London, Oxford, Reading, Slough, Southend-on-Sea, Luton, Essex, Thurrock, and parts of Hertfordshire. The warning was extended until 10am on Thursday because of the continued risk of thunderstorms. Alex Deakin, a Met Office meteorologist, warned,"You may well get woken up tonight by a rumble of thunder, or some flashes of lightning across parts of the South. A lot of heavy rain falling in a short space of time as well. "office

The Met Office advised that the storms might cause travel disruption and some flooding, leading to difficult driving conditions and some road closures. There is also a chance of delays and cancellations to train and bus services, along with a small possibility of power cuts. Marco Petagna, another Met Office meteorologist, stated that after a night of storms, the rain will ease in the south of England for a while on Thursday, and parts of the South East could even reach 24 degrees, potentially making it the warmest day of the year so far.

As residents of central England and Wales brace for the impending thunderstorms, it is essential to stay informed about the latest weather updates and take necessary precautions to ensure safety. The Met Office's warnings serve as a potent warning of the power and unpredictability of nature. With the potential for further disruptions and damage, communities must come together to support one another and find a way through this challenging time.

Key Takeaways

• 35,000 lightning strikes hit central England and Wales overnight.
• Met Office issued yellow warnings for thunderstorms, effective until 10am Thursday.
• Severe weather caused damage to properties, including a care home and university building.
• Heavy rain, frequent lightning, and gusty winds expected to continue.
• Residents advised to stay informed and take precautions to ensure safety.