The Met Office has just issued an amber weather warning for thunder across the south of England this afternoon.
The warning for thunder and heavy rain, issued shortly after 1pm, is in place from 4pm to 9pm tonight. The BBC’s forecast currently says lightning will start at about 3pm and last until 7pm.
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You can track the storm in real time here.
The warning says: “An area of thunderstorms across northern France is expected to move across parts of southeast England during this evening’s main travel period.
“The main hazard is likely to be heavy rain with 30-40mm likely in one to two hours which may lead to flash flooding. Lightning, hail and gusty winds are also expected which may cause power cuts and travel disruption.
What to expect
- Spray and sudden flooding probably leading to difficult driving conditions and some road closures
- Where flooding or lightning strikes occur, delays and some cancellations to train and bus services are likely
- Power cuts likely to occur and other services to some homes and businesses could be lost
- Flooding of homes and businesses is likely and could happen quickly, with damage to some buildings from floodwater, lightning strikes, hail or strong winds
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