A weather service has issued important safety tips for staying safe during lightning strikes, with an Atlantic storm set to batter Britain next week. The storm, predicted to hit the UK on Wednesday, September 25, could bring a 100mph jetstream. With thunder and lightning anticipated, the US-based National Weather Service has emphasized the importance of avoiding any item that connects directly to a household’s electrical supply, including computers.
In addition to staying away from electrical items, further advice includes avoiding contact with windows, porches, and concrete walls and floors. Data from Oxford Brookes University suggest that on average, two people die each year from lightning-related injuries in the UK, underscoring the real danger posed by such weather conditions. The storm is expected to begin impacting the UK on Monday, September 23, as an Atlantic jet stream brings strong winds from the west.
Safety tips for lightning storms
The jet stream, a core of powerful winds located five to seven miles above the Earth’s surface, typically blows west to east. Up to 10mm of rain per hour could hit many parts of western Britain at the storm’s peak.
Jim Dale, senior meteorologist and founder of British Weather Services, noted that the jet stream will have “powered up” by that date. “At the minute, any 60-70mph storm-force winds are likely to be aimed well to the north,” Dale said. “However, it’s a long way off, and the storm’s path could easily change.”
He added, “Certainly we won’t be holding on to the high-pressure sedate weather beyond this weekend.
Given the lows rolling in off a relatively warm Atlantic, we can all expect a spell of wet and windy weather in the days before and after September 25.”
The long-range weather forecast from Saturday, September 21 to Monday, September 30 suggests a “risk of showers and thunderstorms.” Settled but often cloudy conditions are expected across many central and northern areas through the weekend, with the best of the sun found to the west of high ground.
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