Thunderstorms with frequent lightning strikes are moving from France across the Channel towards Southern England, the Met Office has said tonight (Wednesday, June 16).
The first of two yellow severe weather warnings are now in place with the risk of flash-flooding, hail and travel disruption.
And this evening, the Met Office said people need to be prepared for the potentially extreme weather.
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Forecasters are warning that some places are likely to see thunderstorms later on Wednesday through to Saturday with the potential for travel disruption and flooding.
One thunderstorm warning is in place across much of England from 6pm today (Wednesday, June 16) to Thursday at 11.59pm. A second warning for thunderstorms is in place from 9am on Friday to 9am on Saturday
Below, is the Met Office weather warning for thunderstorms in place until 11.59pm on Thursday.
What to expect
- There is a small chance that homes and businesses could be flooded quickly, with damage to some buildings from floodwater, lightning strikes, hail and strong winds
- Where flooding or lightning strikes occur, there is a chance of delays and some cancellations to train and bus services
- Spray and sudden flooding could lead to difficult driving conditions and some road closures
- There is a small chance that some communities become cut off by flooded roads
- There is a slight chance that power cuts could occur and other services to some homes and businesses could be lost
The chief forecaster said: "Although there remains significant uncertainty in location and timing, areas of thunderstorms are expected to move northeast across parts of England and Wales from late Wednesday through to Friday morning.
"Whilst not all locations will be affected, some intense thunderstorms may occur during this period with torrential rain, hail, frequent lightning and strong gusty winds possible.
"Rainfall totals of around 30 mm could fall in an hour, with some locations potentially receiving around 50 mm in 2-3 hours, although these will be fairly isolated."
The Environment Agency also said: "With thunderstorms and heavy rain forecast in parts of southern England later today, surface water and river flooding is possible."
