Thunderstorms on Friday

Photo: Martin Eastwood

Lightning at Old Betts, Ashworth Moor

Thunderstorms are likely to affect northern and western parts of the UK during Friday (1 June), including Rochdale.

As we go into Friday, the warm air over the UK will lead to the development of yet more thunderstorms, and another yellow warning for rain has been issued.

In the torrential downpours as much as 20-30 mm of rain could fall in an hour with 60 mm in a few hours.

A yellow weather alert is in place locally from 9am until 10pm on Friday, stating: “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

“There is a small chance of fast flowing or deep floodwater causing danger to life

“Where flooding or lightning strikes occur, there is a chance of delays and some cancellations to train and bus services

“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.”

Kate Marks, Environment Agency flood duty manager, said: “Further heavy showers and scattered thunderstorms bring a risk of localised surface water and river flooding extending to parts of the North West on Friday. Urban areas are most likely to see the impacts.

“Throughout this period of unsettled stormy weather we will continue to work around the clock operating flood defences, clearing blockages in rivers and streams to ensure they flow freely, and supporting partners responding to any incidents of surface water flooding.

“ We remind people not to drive through flood water as just 30cm can move your car. The public can check our active alerts and warnings – which are updated every 15 minutes – online at www.gov.uk/check-flood-risk or by calling 0345 988 1188.”

Highways England’s Head of National Traffic Operations, Mike Ord, said: “We want everybody to arrive at their destination safely and without incident, and urge drivers to adapt their driving in wet weather. Rain makes it harder for tyres to grip the road and harder for drivers to see ahead – significantly increasing the chances of being involved in a collision.

“It generally takes at least twice as long to stop on a wet road as on a dry road. We recommend slowing down if the rain and spray from vehicles is making it difficult to see and be seen, keeping well back from the driver in front and, if you feel the steering becoming unresponsive, slow down gradually as it probably means that water is preventing the tyres from gripping the road.”