Thunderstorm Overnight in Aberdeenshire 7.09

Thunderstorm overnight may bring some flooding and disruption to parts of Scotland

According to the Met Office, bursts of heavy rain and thunderstorm overnight in Aberdeenshire are likely to move northwards from 3:00AM until 10:00AM.

Forecasters predict up to 60mm of rain could fall within a matter of hours in affected areas, while flood alerts are also in place.

“Lightning and hail may be additional hazards. Rain and thunderstorms are expected to move northwards overnight.”

Delays to train services were possible and “some loss of power” was likely. Other services were also likely to be affected.

The Scottish Environment Agency has issued flood alerts for Aberdeenshire and Aberdeen City, Dundee and Angus, Findhorn Nairn Moray and Speyside and Tayside.

What to expect in Thunderstorm Overnight

• 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
• There is a small chance that some communities become cut off by flooded roads

Make sure you know what to do in Thunderstorm Overnight

Thunderstorms can occur at any time of the year, but it is during the summer months when thunderstorms in the UK are most likely to produce large hail, gusty winds and torrential downpours that can cause disruption to transport networks and damage property.

One of the most notable aspects of thunderstorms can be the localised nature of the impacts they could bring. This, in particular, can be the case with rainfall amounts, with big differences in amounts that fall from one place to another and over a very short distance. This can make driving conditions very hazardous. Other hazards include hail, decreased visibility, sudden gusty winds, standing water and of course lightning.

Driving in a Thunderstorm Overnight

If you are caught out in thunder and lightning it is advised that you wind up the windows and stay inside your car. This is because in the vast majority of cars with a metal roof and frame, the frame will act as a conductive Faraday cage, passing the current around the passengers inside and on to the ground.

• Soft-top convertibles, with their fabric roofs, are the most at risk and could catch fire if struck by lightning
• Be aware that current can travel through other parts of many modern cars, including GPS and radio systems. Cars with metal interior handles, foot pedals and steering wheels can also carry current
• Cars can be damaged both internally and externally by lightning strikes

Thunderstorms can also bring a risk of sudden gusty winds, those most at risk would include cyclists, motorcyclists and high sided vehicles.

• Remember to give vulnerable road users including cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians more room than usual. They are more likely to be blown around by side winds – always keep a safe distance.
• Keep your speed down, lowering your speed will lower the distance you travel when buffeted around by the wind.

Learn how to protect yourself in a Thunderstorm Overnight

There are many myths surrounding lightning – such as lightning never strikes the same place twice or it always strikes the tallest object. Both are false, as lightning strikes the best conductor on the ground – whether it has been struck before or not.

More information you can find – https://www.metoffice.gov.uk

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