Met Office urgently asks UK households who own two common items 'to act fast'

The Met Office is urging millions of UK households to act fast this weekend as thunderstorms are forecast to batter large parts of the country. According to the government agency's latest weather outlook, it'll be a warm start to Friday (July 18), with outbreaks of rain in the west and scattered showers for Northern Ireland.

A yellow thunderstorm warning has been issued across parts of northeast England, in effect from 11am to 8pm. A separate yellow alert is in place across southeast England, from 9pm to 12am. Elsewhere, it is set to turn sunnier in the east, but heavy showers are forecast to arrive later.

However, on Saturday, a yellow weather warning covers almost the whole of England for thunderstorms, with a rain alert in place for Scotland and an amber thunderstorm alert covering London and surrounding areas. The yellow thunderstorm alert warns of "heavy rain" and "disruption". The amber alert is for "torrential rain", which could lead to "significant surface water flooding".

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What should I expect from a yellow warning?

• Spray and sudden flooding could lead to difficult driving conditions and some road closures.
• Where flooding or lightning strikes occur, there is a chance of delays and some cancellations to train and bus services.
• Power cuts might occur, and other services to some homes and businesses could be lost.
• Flooding of homes and businesses could happen quickly, with damage to some buildings from floodwater, lightning strikes, hail or strong winds.
• Fast-flowing or deep floodwater is possible, causing a danger to life.
• Some communities might become cut off if roads flood.

What should I expect from an amber warning?

• Some communities are likely to become cut off if roads flood.
• Where flooding or lightning strikes occur, delays and some cancellations to train and bus services are likely.
• Spray and sudden flooding, probably leading to difficult driving conditions and some road closures.
• Power cuts are likely to occur, and other services to some homes and businesses could be lost.
• Flooding of homes and businesses is likely and could happen quickly, with damage to some buildings from floodwater, lightning strikes, hail or strong winds.
• Fast-flowing or deep floodwater is likely, causing danger to life.

Due to the upcoming turbulent weather, the Met Office shared a link to its website on X, writing: "With thunderstorm warnings in place for parts of the UK, here are some simple things you can do to stay #WeatherReady and keep yourself and others safe during a thunderstorm." The link takes you to the Met Office's page titled '5 tips for staying safe in a thunderstorm'.

The page explains all the safety precautions UK homeowners and drivers should take when bad weather hits. These include what to do if your property is at risk of flooding, how to stay safe in a flood, how to drive in bad weather, actions to take during a power cut and ways to protect your home from damage and from injuring other people.

Regarding the latter, the Met Office urges people to act swiftly and make a quick decision if they own plant pots and wheelie bins outside. A spokesperson says: "Don't risk injury to others or damage to your property. Check for loose items outside your home and plan how you could secure them in high winds."

As plant pots and wheelie bins are very common items that homeowners have on their property, the warning applies UK-wide. These are also two of the most troublesome items when the weather turns wet and windy, as they can easily be knocked over and potentially cause hazards for homeowners, neighbours and drivers.

As such, the Met Office urges UK households to act accordingly, especially ahead of this weekend's bout of thunderstorms, by making sure any 'loose' items are secured or brought inside. But besides plant pots and bins, there are a few other items to consider.

What items does the Met Office warn of when bad weather hits?

• bins
• plant pots
• garden furniture (bring inside or secure in place)
• trampolines (turn upside down or secure with tent pegs)
• sheds (ensure doors are locked)

The Met Office also advises against going outside to repair damage during the storm. It says: "Being outside in lightning can be very dangerous. Avoid harm by staying indoors as much as possible."

It adds: "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."

How do I know if my property is at risk of flooding?

You can check if your property is at risk by using the tools on Gov.uk for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. If you are at risk, the Met Office says: "It's never too late to take action and prepare for flooding." It recommends following its six step-plan to protect your home or business.

Check the flood advice in your area to know when and where flooding will happen.

Charge mobile phone devices.

Park your car outside the flood zone.

Prepare a flood kit to help you cope in the event of flooding to your home and business.

Store valuables up high, including electrical devices, important documents and furniture.

Turn off the gas, water, and electricity supplies.

If you are trapped in a building by floodwater, follow these simple instructions to keep you and your family safe: go to the highest level in the building you are in, do not go into attic spaces to avoid being trapped by rising water, only go to a roof if necessary and call 999 and wait for help.