Some people might have a stash of batteries lying around the house for those occasional fixes or replacements. However, the Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning across huge parts of England and Wales, that could promp a lot of people to stock up.
With sweltering heatwave conditions already settling in, there’s now another weather alert for ‘scattered thunderstorms’ starting Saturday, June 21, lasting until the early hours of Sunday, June 22. Thunderstorms bring the possibility of “frequent lightning”, alongside blustery winds, heavy rain and potential power outages.
In light of this, the Met Office has advised anyone in the affected area to be ready for any power disruptions by having essential supplies at the ready in case something unexpected happens. The website advises: “People cope better with power cuts when they have prepared for them in advance. It’s easy to do – consider gathering torches and batteries, a mobile phone power pack, and other essential items.”
The warning is set to come into effect from 3pm on Saturday, June 21, and is expected to be lifted by 4am on Sunday morning, June 22. While thunderstorms can strike any time of year, the Met Office confirmed that, during summer, they’re more likely to bring large hail, strong winds and heavy downpours that could wreak havoc on transport systems and damage properties, reports the Express.
(Image: Getty)
In the event of a power outage, people were told that, alongside having a few spare batteries on hand, they should also:
- Make sure you have multiple torches
- Make sure you keep your mobile phone charged so you can make calls in case of an emergency
- Keep fridges and freezers closed, with a blanket over as they will stay cold for many hours
- Keep important documents safe and handy
- Look out for elderly neighbours and ensure they are prepared for a possible power cut
- Switch off appliances – turn off items such as irons, ovens, electric fires and fryers as they could pose a hazard if the power comes back on when you are not there
- For people using a digital landline who don’t have a mobile phone, or who live in an area with poor/no mobile signal, speak to your communications provider about additional support they can offer you in advance
If electricity is crucial for any medical equipment you have, please contact your Distribution Network Operator (DNO) at any time as they may be able to put you on their Priority Register (see below) for assistance during any power outage
According to the Met Office warning, the following areas have been given the same yellow warning (as of Friday, June 20). People should keep an eye on the Met Office website and social media in case this changes.
(Image: Met Office)
North West England
- Blackburn with Darwen
- Blackpool
- Cheshire East
- Cheshire West and Chester
- Cumbria
- Greater Manchester
- Halton
- Lancashire
- Merseyside
- Warrington
North East England
- Darlington
- Durham
- Gateshead
- Hartlepool
- Middlesbrough
- Newcastle upon Tyne
- North Tyneside
- Northumberland
- Redcar and Cleveland
- South Tyneside
- Stockton-on-Tees
- Sunderland
East Midlands
- Derby
- Derbyshire
- Leicestershire
- Lincolnshire
- Nottingham
- Nottinghamshire
West Midlands
- Staffordshire
- Stoke-on-Trent
Yorkshire & Humber
- East Riding of Yorkshire
- Kingston upon Hull
- North East Lincolnshire
- North Lincolnshire
- North Yorkshire
- South Yorkshire
- West Yorkshire
- York
Wales
- Conwy
- Denbighshire
- Flintshire
- Wrexham