Yellow weather warnings have been issued across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland after months of little to no rain fall.

Weather warnings for thunderstorms and heavy rain have been issued, as well as a chance of hail and strong winds on Wednesday 26 and Thursday 27 August.

Forecasts predict periods of heavy showers with up to 30mm of rain possible in some place.

Due to the long period of dry weather affecting the UK, the ground is extremely hard, which significantly increases the risk of surface water flooding, warns the Local Resilience Forum (LRF).

The LRF are warning local people and businesses to prepare for the possibility of localised flooding, impacting driving conditions, disruption to power and utilities and risk to life from fast-flowing flood waters.

According to the LRF, to reduce the risk of flooding after a record-breaking summer of hot, dry weather, people are advised to:

• Know their flood risk and sign up for free flood alerts and warnings
• Pack a 'grab bag' of essential items, like medicines, bottled water and insurance documents, in case you need to stay put or leave your home in a hurry
• Check in on relatives and neighbours, particularly those who may find it harder to cope
• Check gutters, drains and downpipes, and clear leaves and debris
• Have an emergency plan and keep it handy – include things like emergency phone numbers
• Check out property flood resilience measures
• Find local flood resilience activities, such as your local flood warden scheme, or set one up!
• Never enter flood water. In an emergency, call 999.

There is also free support available to help reduce the risk from flooding, heatwaves, and other emergencies from the LRF's Risk Ready Communities programmes.

Click here to find out more about Risk Ready Communities and access free resources.

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