Yellow and amber alerts have been issued for various areas of the UK and IrelandThunderstorm with lightening during night.Thunderstorm with lightening during night.(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

A weather warning for thunderstorms has been issued for Northern Ireland.

Amber and yellow warnings have been issued for various areas of the UK by the Met Office.

The west of Northern Ireland looks set to be the hardest hit, with a yellow warning in place covering much of counties Derry, Tyrone and Fermanagh – stopping just short of Portrush where the Open Championship golf tournament is now into its third day.

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The Met Office alert for Northern Ireland states:

  • There is a good chance driving conditions will be affected by spray, standing water and/or hail, leading to longer journey times by car and bus
  • Possibly some damage to a few buildings and structures from lightning strikes
  • Delays to train services are possible
  • Some short term loss of power and other services is likely

The forecast is as follows: “Scattered showers will turn heavier during the morning with the chance of a few thunderstorms. These could bring 15-20mm within an hour in places, with perhaps as much 30mm in a few hours, more likely in the west of the warning area. These showers are expected to ease towards evening.”

Met Office weather warnings across the UK for July 19Met Office weather warnings across the UK for July 19(Image: Met Office)

Elsewhere in the UK, separate warnings for rain are also in place for South West England and large parts of Wales, much of the remainder of England, and almost all of Scotland.

A more severe amber warning for thunderstorms is in place for London and other parts of South East England.

And in the Republic of Ireland, the national forecaster Met Eireann has issued a Status Yellow rain warning for both Cork and Kerry, warning of spells of heavy rain over a 24-hour period with isolated thunderstorms also possible. The potential impacts of these conditions include spot flooding, poor visibility and difficult travelling conditions in general.

This weather warning comes into effect at 10am on Saturday and will remain valid until 10am on Sunday, July 20.

The Met Office advice for Northern Ireland is as follows:

  • Consider if your location is at risk of flash flooding. If so, consider preparing a flood plan and an emergency flood kit.
  • Give yourself the best chance of avoiding delays by checking road conditions if driving, or bus and train timetables, amending your travel plans if necessary.
  • People cope better with power cuts when they have prepared for them in advance. It’s easy to do; consider gathering torches and batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essential items.
  • If you find yourself outside and hear thunder, protect yourself by finding a safe enclosed shelter (such as a car). Do not shelter under or near trees, or other structures which may be struck by lightning. If you are on an elevated area move to lower ground.
  • Be prepared for weather warnings to change quickly: when a weather warning is issued, the Met Office recommends staying up to date with the weather forecast in your area.

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