Thunderstorm warning issued for Wales after heatwave

53 minutes ago

Amelia Shone-AdamsBBC Wales

News image — The warning lasts for most of Wales until 23:59 BST on Wednesday

Claire Hodges A lightning strike in a purple sky. There is a tree in the image. — The warning lasts for most of Wales until 23:59 BST on Wednesday

The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for thunderstorms across Wales.

The warning covers all counties apart from Flintshire, and lasts from 15:00 BST until 23:59 on Wednesday.

It comes after an official heatwave was declared in Wales and a new record set for the hottest May day on Tuesday.

The Met Office has warned of a chance of power cuts, flooding, difficult driving conditions and delays, with the potential of some cancellations to bus and train services.

The Met Office said: "Spray and sudden flooding could lead to difficult driving conditions and some road closures.

"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."

Met Office A map showing Wales and England and a yellow area covering the majority of Wales and parts of England. — The warning comes after Wales set a new record for the hottest May day on Tuesday

At one point, a total of 1,530 customers were left without power due to high voltage faults during thunderstorms in Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire earlier on Wednesday afternoon.

National Grid said there were currently 138 customers without power.

Transport for Wales said it had experienced damage to the signalling system by lightning strikes at Clarbeston Road, Pembrokeshire, adding that services may be delayed by up to 45 minutes in the area.