MET OFFICE WARNS OF POWER CUTS IN NORTHERN IRELAND THUNDERSTORMS

The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for thunderstorms across Northern Ireland from midday on Tuesday until 9pm. The forecaster stated that some short-term loss of power and other services is "likely" across the six counties affected by the warning. The agency urged residents to prepare in advance by gathering torches, batteries, mobile phone power packs and other essential items.

The Met Office said showers will develop on Tuesday morning and become heavy and locally thundery in the afternoon. The forecaster described these showers as "slow-moving" and predicted they would bring significant downpours, with 20 to 30mm of rain forecast to fall within one or two hours. Strong and gusty winds and hail are also possible with the heaviest showers, and the agency warned that showers should slowly ease from the west into the evening. The warning affects County Antrim, County Armagh, County Down, County Fermanagh, County Londonderry and County Tyrone.

The Met Office advised residents to assess whether their homes and businesses face risk of flash flooding and to prepare accordingly. People were told to check road conditions before making any journeys. The agency also issued safety guidance for those caught outdoors during thunderstorms, instructing people to seek shelter in enclosed structures such as cars and to avoid trees or other structures that may be struck by lightning. The forecaster additionally predicted showers in Scotland and the west of the UK on Tuesday.