Parts of southern England are set to be battered by torrential rain on Saturday which could cause ‘significant’ flooding and a danger to life, the Met Office said.
An amber warning for thunderstorms has been issued for between 4am and 11am spanning major towns and cities including London, Brighton, Portsmouth, Chelmsford, St Albans and Cambridge.
Forecasters have warned of sudden flooding in roads and homes with some more remote communities at risk of being cut off, while delays to train and bus services are also likely.
Power cuts could also occur and buildings are at risk of damage from floodwater, lightning strikes, hail and strong winds.
Met Office chief meteorologist Andy Page said: ‘Intense rainfall will impact parts of the UK as thunderstorms move in from France.
‘A range of severe weather warnings have been issued, including an Amber warning covering southeast England and London. The intense rainfall could lead to surface water flooding as well as frequent lightning and hail too.
‘The situation is evolving, and warnings may be changed or added. This weekend is expected to be busy on the roads as more schools in England and Wales break up for the summer holidays, so it’s important people keep up-to-date with the very latest forecast.
‘There will be spells of more pleasant weather in parts of the UK through the weekend, with some sunny spells in between systems as they move through.’
More to follow
