Photograph of lightning over Merseyside, taken on 10 June 2023. Photograph of lightning over Merseyside, taken on 10 June 2023.
THE Met Office has issued a Yellow Warning for more thunderstorms and torrential downpours. These may bring disruption to parts of England and Wales, on Monday, 12 June 2023.

Met Office weather forecasters say that an aggressive system that is currently moving North-Westly across Central England to move across the North West of England, on Monday. If this happens it could lead to some very challenging conditions for drivers within our Region.

The Met Office says that the Thunderstorms that could develop on  Monday afternoon may bring some disruption.

Interestingly, this lastest rash of thunderstorms has lead to lightning causing damage to St Gregory's R.C. Church Spire, on Damson Road, Netherley, on Saturday, 10 June 2023. Thankfully no one was injorded but it is a good reminder that we should take Thunderstorms more seriusly.

The Met Office warns that:-
  • Spray and sudden flooding could lead to difficult driving conditions and some road closures.
     
  • There is a slight chance that power cuts could occur and other services to some homes and businesses could be lost.
     
  • Where flooding or lightning strikes occur, there is a chance of delays and some cancellations to train and bus services.
     
  • There is a small chance that some communities become cut off by flooded roads.
     
  • There is a small chance that homes and businesses could be flooded quickly, with damage to some buildings from floodwater, lightning strikes, hail, or strong winds
     
You can see more UK weather warnings online at:- MetOffice.Gov.UK.
 

Is lightning really dangerous?

The odds of getting struck by lightning in any given year is less than 1 in 10 million according to the British Medical Journal. Sadly, despite the low odds, it does happen. like on 11 May 2021, while "participating in a football coaching session" 9-year-old Jordan Banks, was hit by lightning and killed on playing fields, in Blackpool. So please remember, lightning only needs to strike once to cause considerable injury or death. The Met Office has published a very useful page on it's website entitled:- "Stay safe in thunder and lightning" that is well worth a read. Please click here to go to it.