UK Storms Cause Widespread Floods and Disruption

After recording its hottest day of the year with temperatures reaching 29.4°C in Suffolk, the UK was hit by over 30,000 lightning strikes overnight, resulting in widespread flash floods, fires, and major travel disruption across England, Northern Ireland, and Scotland. The Met Office issued amber and yellow weather warnings as storms caused flooded roads, property damage, power outages, and a landslip that halted train services between Exeter St Davids and Okehampton. Kent and Dover were especially affected, with homes underwater and emergency responses to incidents including a suspected lightning-induced fire in St Leonards-on-Sea. Flood warnings and alerts were issued for the South West, South East, Midlands, and Wales, though some were lifted by Saturday afternoon as weather conditions improved. The Environment Agency cautioned the public against driving through floodwaters, highlighting the risk even 30cm of fast-moving water poses to vehicles. Weather warnings for thunderstorms and flooding remained in effect for parts of the UK until at least Saturday evening as authorities continued to monitor the situation.