The Met Office has issued an Amber severe thunderstorm warning for southeast England, including London, from 04:00am on Saturday July 19th 2025 until 11:00am on Sunday 20th July 2025. As amber alerts flash across our phones and headlines, now is the time to ensure your premises are properly protected.
What Is an Amber Weather Warning?
An Amber weather warning signifies a high likelihood of severe impacts from the forecast conditions. In this case:
- Intense Rainfall – Expect 20, 40 mm of rain in just one hour, potentially totalling 70 to 100 mm over several hours
- Frequent Lightning – Repeated electrical discharges that can trigger damaging power surges
- Hail and Strong Winds – Hailstones and gusts capable of harming roof coverings, windows and outdoor equipment
Urban areas, particularly those with limited drainage and dense infrastructure, are especially susceptible to surface-water flooding and electrical interruptions.
The Importance of Lightning Protection
- Maintain System Integrity – Lightning induced surges can overwhelm switchgear, disrupt IT servers and disable security systems
- Prevent Structural Damage – A direct or nearby strike may ignite fires in roof voids or fracture masonry, resulting in costly repairs
- Ensure Occupant Safety – Proper protection reduces the risk of electrocution and fire, safeguarding residents, staff, clients and visitors
How to Prepare for a Thunderstorm
Whether you’re at home or at work, these straightforward steps will help you stay safe and minimise damage:
Inspect Your Lightning Protection
- Homes: Give any lightning rods or bonded metalwork on gutters/down‑pipes a quick visual check for loose fittings or rust.
- Businesses: Verify air terminals and down conductors are intact, corrosion‑free and firmly fastened.
Test Earthing & Surge Defences
Use an earth‑resistance meter (or ask your electrician) to confirm your earthing system is within safe limits.
- Ensure surge protection devices (SPDs) on critical circuits—alarms, refrigeration, IT equipment—are still operational.
- For professional testing and certification, schedule a visit with Bacon Group’s Lightning Protection Testing team here: Lightning Protection Testing & Maintenance.
Secure Loose Outdoor Items
- Bring in or tie down garden furniture, plant pots, bins and trampolines.
- At commercial premises, stow away ladders, scaffolding boards, signage or any lightweight materials.
Gather Emergency Essentials
- Keep torches, spare batteries, a basic first‑aid kit and bottled water together in one easy‑to‑reach spot.
- Know exactly where your main electrical switch is so you can isolate power immediately if you spot sparks or smoke.
What to Do If Your Home Is Struck by Lightning
A direct lightning strike can cause devastating damage, as seen in the recent Suffolk bungalow incident, where the roof was completely destroyed by a single bolt . If lightning hits your home:
Ensure Everyone Is Safe
- Evacuate the building if there is fire, burning smells or visible damage
- Call the emergency services immediately if anyone is injured
Avoid Electrical Hazards
- Do not touch electrical appliances or wiring, lightning can energise circuits throughout the structure.
- Turn off the main electrical supply at the consumer unit if it is safe to do so.
Inspect for Structural Damage
- Look for cracks in walls, ceiling blackening or damaged roofing
- Engage a qualified surveyor or structural engineer before re entering hazardous areas
Contact Your Insurance and Lightning Protection Provider
- Document damage with photos and notes for insurance claims
- Arrange an urgent survey with Bacon Group to assess and restore your lightning protection system
How Bacon Group Can Support You
With over 30 years of experience, Bacon Group specialises in bespoke lightning protection and earthing solutions for both residential and commercial properties:
- Rapid Risk Assessments, we conduct thorough site surveys often within 24 hours to identify vulnerabilities
- Custom System Design and Installation, from strategically placed air terminals to precision earthing electrodes and SPDs, all work is compliant with BS EN 62305
- Certification and Ongoing Maintenance, we provide full compliance documentation and schedule routine inspections to maintain optimal performance
Don’t leave your home or business at risk. Contact Bacon Group or call +44 (0)1621 230100 today for a no obligation consultation or emergency support.
Frequently Asked Questions
What differentiates an Amber warning from Yellow?
Yellow means be aware, some heavy showers and lightning possible. Amber indicates a higher probability of significant impacts, including flooding, power outages and property damage.
How often should my lightning protection system be inspected?
A comprehensive inspection and test are recommended annually, with additional visual checks following major storms.
Can lightning protection mitigate flood damage?
Lightning protection is designed to control electrical risks. For flood prevention, consider drainage improvements, flood barriers or permeable surfacing.
By taking these proactive steps and partnering with Bacon Group, you can mitigate the risks posed by this weekend’s severe weather. Ensure continuity of operations and the safety of everyone on your property, regardless of what the skies bring.
