By Emeka Blast 
Over 30,000 lightning strikes hit UK overnight amid ongoing yellow warnings
The UK experienced a significant thunderstorm overnight, with over 30,000 lightning strikes recorded by 6 a.m. on Saturday, June 14, 2025. While most of these strikes occurred over the sea, they were accompanied by heavy rainfall, leading to flooding and travel disruptions in several regions. The Met Office has issued both yellow and amber weather warnings for much of the country, including the South West, North East, North of England, Wales, and parts of Scotland, valid until 6 p.m. on Saturday.
The storms follow the hottest day of the year so far, with temperatures reaching 29.4°C (84.9°F) in Santon Downham, Suffolk. The Met Office warns that some areas could receive 30–50mm of rain in a few hours, with isolated locations potentially seeing up to 80mm. This intense rainfall poses risks of surface water flooding, hazardous driving conditions, and potential power outages.
Travel disruptions have been reported, including flooded roads and a landslip near Okehampton affecting train services. Heathrow Airport also experienced flight delays due to adverse weather conditions.
The Environment Agency and Natural Resources Wales have issued numerous flood warnings and alerts, urging the public to avoid driving through floodwaters, as just 30cm of flowing water can move a car.
While the storms are expected to ease later on Saturday, drier and brighter weather is anticipated by Monday. However, the public is advised to remain vigilant and stay informed through official weather updates.
