Power cuts 'likely' as thunderstorms to hit Scotland, Met Office warns

SCOTS have been warned to brace for severe thunderstorms, with power cuts “likely”.

The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning covering Edinburgh, East Lothian, the Borders, and parts of Fife. It also covers parts of north east England, including Newcastle and Middlesborough.

The warning comes into force at 11am on Wednesday, July 2, and lasts through to 6pm.

Detail from a Met Office map showing the area covered by the yellow weather warning (Image: Met Office) The Met Office said there would be “slow-moving heavy showers and thunderstorms” which may lead to some travel disruption and flooding in a few places.

It warned:

• There is a “good chance” driving conditions will be affected by spray, standing water, leading to longer journey times by car and bus.
• “Possibly” some flooding of a few homes and businesses leading to some damage to buildings or structures, as well as 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”.

The Met Office forecast: “Heavy showers and some thunderstorms are expected to develop across parts of south east Scotland and north east England on Wednesday, clearing east into the North Sea later in the afternoon. 

“Whilst some places may see relatively small amounts of rainfall, a few locations could see 15-20 mm of rain in an hour or less leading to some impacts from surface water flooding. Where several showers move over the same area, there is a chance of 20-30 mm falling in 2-3 hours.

“As the showers clear to the east strong winds may develop on the western flank with gusts of around 40 mph possible for a short period of time.”