Is it safe to camp in a storm? Why you might want to call off your holiday plans this week

BBC Weather: UK set for intense downpours in some areas

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Parts of the UK are affected by Met Office thunderstorm warnings today (August 6) and on Saturday. Anyone planning to spend time outdoors over the coming days, such as on a camping trip, should take notice of the latest warnings and forecasts in their area to keep themselves safe.

The Met Office has issued a yellow thunderstorm warning from 4am until 11.59pm on Friday.

The warning spans across areas in the Midlands, northern England, Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland.

The Met Office warns of flooding and lightning strikes, along with the potential for travel disruption.

The warning reads: “Heavy showers are expected across much of the UK on Friday.

“Within the warning area, these showers and thunderstorms will be slow-moving and may cause localised surface water impacts.”

Although rainfall totals will vary from place to place, the Met Office warns there is the potential for 20 to 30mm of rain in a short space of time.

Over the course of the day, the Met Office warn some areas could see “as much as 80-100mm build up”, which is up to some four inches of rain accumulation.

A Met Office yellow thunderstorm warning is in place from 4am to 11.59pm on Saturday as well.

Most areas under warning on Friday are still included under the Saturday warning.

Is it safe to camp in a thunderstorm?

With the summer finally here, many people will be taking camping holidays in the UK.

However, if the weather is far from ideal for camping and there is a risk of thunderstorms, a tent is not a safe place to be.

The Scouts Association shared their tips for camping in wet and windy weather with the Met Office, and it is crucial to act fast if a thunderstorm hits while camping.

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Shelter from the elements needs to be found immediately in the case of thunder or lightning.

The Met Office said: “If a thunderstorm hits outdoors seek shelter immediately – ideally in a house or other permanent structure, but otherwise in a car.

“A shed or tent is not safe enough and do not shelter beneath a tree.

“If there really is no shelter at all, find a low place and assume the crash position, with your head between your legs, crouching down and balancing on your heels to avoid too much contact with the earth.

“Do not use an umbrella or a mobile phone or shelter beneath a tree.

“It is also important not to leave your shelter too early – there is still a danger up to half an hour after the thunderstorm is over, and yes, lightning can strike the same place, or the same person, twice.”

Reading the weather forecast and warnings closely before camping is essential to see if thunderstorms are predicted.

Other signs of an incoming storm may be visible with wildlife, as many think cows lie down before a storm, and fewer seagulls will be in the sky at the coast.

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