Leeds issued yellow weather warning for thunder and lightning by Met Office

Weather forecasters say a thunderstorm is on its way to Leeds on Wednesday - and the Met Office has issued this warning.
Handout photo dated 16/06/20 taken with permission from the twitter feed of James Pierce of a house on fire where more than 20 firefighters were called to after being struck by lightning in Sheffield, as violent thunderstorms swept across the north of England and Scotland, causing flash flooding in places. Photo: James Pierce/Twitter/PA WireHandout photo dated 16/06/20 taken with permission from the twitter feed of James Pierce of a house on fire where more than 20 firefighters were called to after being struck by lightning in Sheffield, as violent thunderstorms swept across the north of England and Scotland, causing flash flooding in places. Photo: James Pierce/Twitter/PA Wire
Handout photo dated 16/06/20 taken with permission from the twitter feed of James Pierce of a house on fire where more than 20 firefighters were called to after being struck by lightning in Sheffield, as violent thunderstorms swept across the north of England and Scotland, causing flash flooding in places. Photo: James Pierce/Twitter/PA Wire

It comes after the storm hit Sheffield, 40 miles south of West Yorkshire, on Tuesday and wreaked havoc.

Lightning struck a house and set it on fire, as crews had to put out the blaze.

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More than 20 firefighters were called to a house that was struck by lightning as violent thunderstorms swept across the north of England and Scotland, causing flash flooding in places.

Five fire crews and a turntable ladder were sent to the house in the Millhouses area of Sheffield on Tuesday evening but the damage was limited to the roof.

South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue service said: "Firefighters have just finished tackling a fire on Millhouses Road, Sheffield.

"It is thought the blaze, which involved the roof of a three-storey house, was started when the property was hit by lightning.

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"Five fire engines and a turntable ladder were called after the call at 7.28pm.

"Nobody was hurt in the incident."

The strike happened as a storm moved across the city, bringing a dramatic lightning display and bursts of heavy rain.

A yellow weather warning for thunder has been issued for Leeds and parts of West Yorkshire on Wednesday and thunderstorms may cause travel disruption in a few places.

What to expect according to the Met Office

Some flooding of a few homes and businesses likely, leading to some damage to buildings or structures

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Probably some damage to a few buildings and structures from lightning strikes

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

Delays to train services are possible

Some short term loss of power and other services is likely

What to do and not to do in a thunderstorm according to the Met Office

One of the most notable aspects of thunderstorms can be the localised nature of the impacts they could bring. This, in particular, can be the case with rainfall amounts, with big differences in amounts that fall from one place to another and over a very short distance. This can make driving conditions very hazardous. Other hazards include hail, decreased visibility, sudden gusty winds, standing water and of course lightning.

Before the thunderstorm

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Lightning can cause power surges, unplug any non-essential appliances if not already using a surge protector.

Seek shelter if possible. When you hear thunder you are already within range of where the next ground flash may occur, lightning can strike as far as 10 miles away from the centre of a storm.

During the thunderstorm

Telephone lines can conduct electricity so try to avoid using the landline, unless in an emergency

If outside avoid water and find a low-lying open place that is a safe distance from trees, poles or metal objects

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Avoid activities such as golf, rod fishing or boating on a lake

Be aware of metal objects that can conduct or attract lightning, including golf clubs, golf buggies, fishing rods, umbrellas, motorbikes, bicycles, wheelchairs, mobility scooters, pushchairs, wire fencing and rails. If you are in a tent, try to stay away from the metal poles

If you find yourself in an exposed location it may be advisable to squat close to the ground, with hands on knees and with head tucked between them. Try to touch as little of the ground with your body as possible, do not lie down on the ground

If you feel your hair stand on end, drop to the above position immediately

After the thunderstorm

Avoid downed power lines or broken cables

If someone is struck by lightning, they often suffer severe burns. The strike also affects the heart, so check if they have a pulse.

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