Homes in 44 UK areas told ‘prepare to turn off gas, water and electricity’

Households in 42 UK areas are being urged to prepare to turn off their gas, water and electricity as “intense” thunderstorms are forecast. The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for thunderstorms from 12pm, 2pm or 7pm today (August 19) until 10pm this evening for parts of the East Midlands, North West England, Wales, and Yorkshire as well as Scotland and Northern Ireland.

The national forecaster has warned that the thunderstorms, following hot weather, could bring disruption to some areas, with possible flooding, lightning strikes and power cuts. Spray and sudden flooding could make driving conditions difficult on the roads and potentially lead to some road closures, with commuters warned of possible delays and cancellations to train and bus services. As the thunderstorms may lead to flooding in some areas, households are being advised to prepare for the adverse weather now and protect their property, including turning off gas, water and electricity supplies.

The yellow warning begins at 2pm in Scotland, 12 midday in Northern Ireland and 7pm in England.

The drastic advice given by the Met Office on how to prepare for the worst in the event of flooding also recommends preparing an emergency flood kit, charging mobile phones and storing valuables up high to avoid being damaged.

In its advice for staying safe in a thunderstorm, the Met Office said: “It’s never too late to take action and prepare for flooding. Follow these six simple steps to protect your home or business:

• Check the flood advice in your area to know when and where flooding will happen
• Charge mobile phone devices
• Park your car outside the flood zone
• Prepare a flood kit to help you cope in the event of flooding to your home and business
• Store valuables up high, including electrical devices, important documents and furniture
• Turn off gas, water and electricity supplies.

“If you are trapped in a building by floodwater, follow these simple instructions to keep you and your family safe:

• Go to the highest level in the building you are in
• Do not go into attic spaces to avoid being trapped by rising water
• Only go to a roof if necessary
• Call 999 and wait for help.”

You should only switch off your gas, water and electricity supplies if it is safe to do so and be sure that you don’t touch an electrical switch if you’re standing in water.

Your water stop tap will usually be found inside your home where your water supply comes in, or outside close to your property’s boundary under a cover, your gas shut-off valve next to your gas meter, and your mains electricity cut off on your fuse board with a big on and off switch.

The National Grid says: “If flood water is about to enter your property, turn off your electricity supply using the isolator switch or fuse unit. Only attempt this if it’s safe to do so, and never take any unnecessary risks. You can speak to your insurer or a qualified electrician if you need further advice. Your meter could be inside your property or outside in a dedicated meter cabinet.

“Never touch any electrical appliances, cables, or equipment while standing in floodwater. Please don’t touch any appliances, cables, or equipment that has been touched by floodwater, as they may not be safe.”

Listed are the 44 UK areas covered by a yellow weather warning for thunderstorms and at potential risk of flooding:

1. Derbyshire
2. Darlington
3. Durham
4. Gateshead
5. Hartlepool
6. Middlesbrough
7. Newcastle upon Tyne
8. North Tyneside
9. Northumberland
10. Redcar and Cleveland
11. South Tyneside
12. Stockton-on-Tees
13. Sunderland
14. Blackburn with Darwen
15. Blackpool
16. Cheshire East
17. Cheshire West and Chester
18. Cumbria
19. Greater Manchester
20. Halton
21. Lancashire
22. Merseyside
23. Warrington
24. Conwy
25. Denbighshire
26. Flintshire
27. Gwynedd
28. Isle of Anglesey
29. Wrexham
30. East Riding of Yorkshire
31. North Yorkshire
32. South Yorkshire
33. West Yorkshire
34. York
35. County Antrim
36. County Armagh
37. County Down
38. County Fermanagh
39. County Londonderry
40. County Tyrone
41. Aberdeen
42. Aberdeenshire
43. Moray
44. Angus