Ryanair has issued a travel update warning passengers of "potential disruption" to flights to and from the United Kingdom on Thursday, August 27, as a Met Office yellow thunderstorm warning remains in force across much of the country, including Birmingham.
The airline's update, posted on its travel portal, states: "Potential disruption to/from United Kingdom (Thu 27 Aug) due to thunderstorms." It adds: "Affected passengers will be notified and any passengers travelling to/from United Kingdom on Thu 27 Aug should check the Ryanair app for the latest updates on their flight."
Met Office warning covers Birmingham and wider regions
The Met Office issued the yellow thunderstorm warning from 5am until 10pm on Thursday, covering the West Midlands (including Birmingham), Yorkshire and Humber, Wales, South West England, North West England, London, South East England, East of England and the East Midlands.
Birmingham has already experienced heavy rain, strong winds, thunder and lightning, with forecasters suggesting the downpours could "perhaps become slow moving" into the afternoon and evening.
Heavy rain and hail expected
According to the Met Office, "a broad band of thunderstorms and heavy rain will move north across England and Wales on Thursday, perhaps becoming slow moving in the afternoon and evening." Accumulations of 20-30mm in an hour are possible locally, with 30-40mm expected fairly widely and up to 50mm in a 12-hour period in some places.
The warning adds there is "a small chance that some places may see more than 50mm in three hours and more than 75mm through 12 hours, especially over east facing high ground." Lightning and hail of 1-2cm are also listed as hazards.
Impact on travel and communities
The Met Office has warned that where flooding and lightning occur, there is a "chance of delays and some cancellations to train and bus services." It also highlights potential "spray and sudden flooding" which could lead to difficult driving conditions and road closures.
Communities might become cut off if roads flood, and flooding of homes and businesses could happen quickly, with damage to buildings from floodwater. Lightning strikes and power cuts may occur, and other services to some homes and businesses could be lost, the Met Office said.
Passengers travelling to or from UK airports on Thursday are advised to monitor the Ryanair app for real-time updates on their specific flights.
