Five ways to stay safe as Wales faces thunderstorms

A yellow warning from the Met Office covers much of Wales from 11am until 11.59pm on Sunday, August 30. Heavy showers, lightning, hail and strong winds are possible, while some places may face intense rain over a short period.

The Met Office has issued five areas of advice for people preparing for the storms.

1. Check your flood risk

Residents should find out whether their home or business could be affected by localised flooding. This is particularly important for people living in places that have flooded before.

A flood plan should be prepared, along with an emergency flood kit. Important documents, electrical items and valuables should be moved to higher levels where possible if flooding is expected.

2. Prepare for sudden flooding

Floodwater can rise quickly during thunderstorms. People are advised to charge mobile phones, move vehicles away from flood-prone locations and keep emergency supplies where they can be reached easily.

Anyone trapped by rising water should move to the highest occupied level of a building. People needing immediate assistance should call 999.

• You can follow our live on the weather in South Wales here and West Wales here.

3. Take care when driving

The Met Office says people should avoid travelling during severe thunderstorms where possible. Drivers who must use the roads should reduce their speed, leave a larger gap between vehicles and allow more stopping distance on wet roads.

Dipped headlights should be used when visibility is poor. Motorists are advised to use main roads where possible and must never attempt to drive through floodwater.

4. Prepare for power cuts

Thunderstorms can cause temporary power outages. Households should keep torches, spare batteries and mobile phone power packs somewhere easy to find.

If the electricity fails, appliances should be switched off and one light left on. This will show when power has returned. Anyone seeking information about an outage can call 105.

5. Secure items and shelter from lightning

Loose outdoor items, including garden furniture, bins and plant pots, should be secured or brought indoors before the storm arrives.

If thunder is heard, people should move inside or into an enclosed vehicle. They should not shelter beneath trees or stand on exposed high ground.

Repairs should not be attempted outdoors while a storm is taking place. Disruption from heavy rain, lightning, flooding and difficult driving conditions is possible until the warning ends at 11.59pm.