Households urged to stockpile 7 key items for emergency on Friday

Households in parts of the UK are being urged to stockpile seven key items for emergencies on Friday after the Met Office issued a fresh thunderstorms and flooding warning.

The forecaster has issued a yellow weather warning for thunderstorms, with a risk of flooding, for most of England and Scotland on Friday.

In England, the warning begins at midnight and remains in place until 10am, while in Scotland, the warning is in place from midnight to midnight for a full 24 hours.

The Met Office warned that flooding could hit homes and businesses, while thunderstorms themselves bring disruption, damage to buildings, lightning damage and hail.

The Met Office added: “Many areas missing the worst, but thunderstorms could bring disruption in places during Thursday night and into Friday morning."

In its advice as part of the warning, the forecaster said: "Consider if your location is at risk of flash flooding. If so, consider preparing a flood plan and an emergency flood kit."

Households are being urged to stock up on emergency supplies in the affected areas, which includes all of the North of England, all of Scotland, most of Wales, most of the south west of England and the Midlands. Supplies include gathering a torch, batteries, a mobile phone power bank and other essential items.

The Met Office says emergency flood kits should contain seven key items:

1. Insurance documents and list of contact numbers
2. Torch and spare batteries
3. First aid kit and any prescription medicines
4. Warm waterproof clothes and blankets
5. Bottled water and snacks
6. Battery or wind-up radio
7. Supplies for looking after any babies or pets

It also suggested making a flood plan and added: "You may be able to download a flood plan template from your local flood agency or council or put your own together using the following list as a guide:

• A list of useful contact numbers - including your local council, utility providers and your insurance company