Met Office urges homes in 54 areas to gather torches and batteries on Friday

2 months ago 117

The Met Office has warned about the possibility of power cuts.

21:37, Wed, Jun 24, 2026 Updated: 21:54, Wed, Jun 24, 2026

flashlight. disaster goods.

The Met Office has urged people to gather torches. (Image: Getty)

The Met Office has urged homes in 54 areas of the UK to gather batteries and torches on Friday amid the scorching heatwave. The national weather forecaster warned the sweltering conditions could cause "heat-sensitive systems and equipment" to break down, resulting in "power cuts and the loss of other services to homes and businesses".

An amber warning for extreme heat is in place for London and the South East, East Midlands, East of England, North West England, South West England, West Midlands, and Yorkshire and the Humber from 12am on Friday until 11.59pm the same day. In the event of a power cut, the Met Office stresses the importance of having multiple torches, along with extra batteries.

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Batteries are also required in the event of a power cut. (Image: Getty)

It also issues the following advice:

If electricity is crucial for any medical equipment you have, please contact your DNO at any time, as they may be able to put you on their Priority Register for assistance during any power outage
Make sure you keep your mobile phone charged so you can make calls in case of an emergency
Keep fridges and freezers closed, with a blanket over as they will stay cold for many hours
Keep important documents safe and handy
Look out for elderly neighbours and ensure they are prepared for a possible power cut
Switch off appliances - turn off items such as irons, ovens, electric fires and fryers as they could pose a hazard if the power comes back on when you are not there
For people using a digital landline who don't have a mobile phone, or who live in an area with poor/no mobile signal, speak to your communications provider about additional support they can offer you in advance

Met Office weather warnings