Met Office warns most of England to brace for heavy rain

• The Met Office has issued yellow weather warnings for thunderstorms and heavy downpours across almost all of England, starting Friday and extending into Saturday.
• Two distinct warnings are in place: a larger one from Friday evening until Saturday evening, and a smaller one for the North East and Yorkshire on Friday afternoon.
• Forecasters predict torrential rain, with up to 30mm falling in less than an hour in some southern areas, alongside gusty winds, frequent lightning, and hail.
• There is a risk of flash flooding, transport delays, power cuts, and potential damage to homes and businesses due to the adverse weather conditions.
• The warnings come as Southern Water implements a hosepipe ban in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, following England's driest start to the year since 1976 and record-breaking June temperatures.

IN FULL

Mapped: Where thunderstorms are set to hit the UK as yellow weather warnings issued