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Met Office issues first record thunderstorm flood warnings

8/20/2026

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Summary

Met Office Warnings

Met Office issues yellow thunderstorm warnings for northern England and north Wales because of flash-flood risk.
The warnings note rainfall could reach 15-20 mm in one hour and 30-50 mm in six hours.
Defra announces £10.5 bn flood-defence investment that fully funds the first £3 m of flash-flood schemes.
Six million English properties face surface-water flood risk, with 80 % of high-risk homes in towns and cities.

Summary

Met Office Alert

Met Office issues its first summer thunderstorm alert on record.
The yellow warning, covering 40 UK regions, includes Stockport, which could receive 16-32 mm of rain per hour.
In Northern Ireland, the alert runs from 12:00 to 23:59 BST on Wednesday.
Power outages and train delays are expected in several warned areas.
Drivers may encounter spray, standing water and hail on roads.

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Met Office Warnings

Met Office issues yellow thunderstorm warnings for northern England and north Wales because of flash-flood risk.
The warnings note rainfall could reach 15-20 mm in one hour and 30-50 mm in six hours.
Defra announces £10.5 bn flood-defence investment that fully funds the first £3 m of flash-flood schemes.
Six million English properties face surface-water flood risk, with 80 % of high-risk homes in towns and cities.

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