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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.
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.
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People should act early to lower their risk of preventable dementia (stock photo) (Image: Getty)
Dementia is a condition that millions of Brits will have faced in their lives – either through someone they love or going through it themselves. Many could help to limit their chances of developing the symptoms of dementia with a few lifestyle changes, according to a TV doctor.
ITV regular Dr Amir Khan claims that there is “a lot we can all do” to reduce the risk of developing dementia. His suggestions come from a major review of studies that investigated the impact of dementia and certain lifestyle and health choices.
He said: “There was a big 2024 Lancet review looking at all the things we can do to reduce our risk of dementia or delay it. By about 45% you can reduce your risk, which is huge.”
The practising GP claims that, just because these studies found a link between certain habits and dementia, it does not mean that every case is preventable. He adds that factors that are just part of life, such as age and genetics, also play a role.
But, he said that “dementia is not an inevitable part of getting older”. There are some habits that most people could do to slash their risk for the future.
Exercise:
Dr Khan said: “Physical inactivity is one of those recognised risk factors. We know that regular exercise helps your cardiovascular system, blood vessels, and metabolic health. all of which matter to your brain.”
He claims that the NHS-backed target of “about 150 minutes of moderate activity a week” could make a world of difference to your overall health, including the risk of developing dementia. It does not have to be anything intense – and sometimes people could clock up those 2.5 hours without realising through things like brisk walking or dancing
Focus on your heart:
Although dementia is commonly linked to the brain (through damaged or lost nerve cells), studies have found that focusing on another organ, much further south, could have lasting health benefits that could prevent people from deteriorating. Dr Khan said: “Look after your heart because what’s good for your heart is generally what’s good for your brain.”
People in their forties and beyond were reminded to consider just how much their heart has to risk. From high blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes to name a few – each condition becomes its own risk factor.
Keep an eye on your ears:
Another body part that most would not link to dementia, but it can be a red flag if something starts to go wrong with your hearing. Dr Khan claims that ” lots of people don’t think about it”, but studies have linked hearing loss, particularly in midlife, as one of the recognised potential risk factors for dementia.
He said: “There are probably several reasons this happens, including the extra work your brain has to do to process sound and the fact that hearing loss can lead to people becoming socially isolated. Protect your ears from excessive noise and, if you notice that your hearing has deteriorated, go and get it checked – don’t just put up with it.”
Engage your brain often
As the common saying goes, if you don’t use it – you lose it. Dr Khan claims some of the studies included in this review found that ” using your brain” and ” seeing people” fought off some lesser-known lifestyle risks of dementia.
He said: “Social isolation itself is associated with an increased risk of dementia. There is evidence that people who remain mentally and socially active throughout life have lower rates of dementia.
I would say read books regularly, handwrite regularly, learn something new regularly, take up a hobby, volunteer, join a group.” Something as simple as just seeing your friends for a coffee or drinks can “absolutely count” as looking after your brain.
Protect your head
The ITV regular said: “Wear a helmet when you’re cycling, take concussions seriously and particularly as we get older, maintaining muscle strength and balance can help prevent falls and head injuries.”
