Southern England faces severe weather and flooding

Southern England and the East Midlands faced severe weather on Saturday. Heavy rain, hail, and thunderstorms led to around 400 lightning strikes across the region. This caused significant localized flooding, prompting road closures. National Highways reported that parts of the M18 in Yorkshire were closed due to flooding. Sections of the M40 near Warwick also remained closed into Sunday because of water on the roads. Motorists have been advised to drive carefully and stay informed about travel updates. Meteorologist Ellie Glaisyer from the Met Office noted that thunderstorms hit London, Buckinghamshire, and parts of eastern Midlands, extending to southern Lincolnshire. Rainfall totals ranged mostly between 10 to 15 millimeters in a short period. The storms were created by strong sunlight heating the ground, causing warm air to rise. This stormy weather followed an unusually warm Thursday when temperatures reached 21°C in some areas, marking the highest spring equinox temperatures since 1972. Glaisyer added that March temperatures around 18°C are becoming more common due to climate change, leading to more severe weather events. The Environment Agency has issued flood alerts for 22 areas, including North Hampshire, Salisbury, and Hertfordshire. Residents in these regions are advised to stay alert and take precautions against possible flooding. Authorities continue to monitor the situation, with further updates to follow.