Map shows where flood alerts are in place ahead of thunderstorms

Parts of the UK could be hit by flooding and power cuts today as the Met Office issues a yellow weather warning for thunderstorms.

Following a recent hot spell, some areas could see up to a month’s rainfall in the space of a few hours.

10 flood alerts are currently in place for parts of the North East England and the East Midlands.

The yellow weather warning for thunderstorms is in place until 11.59pm tonight.

It covers areas including the East Midlands, East of England, London & South East England, North East England, North West England, South West England, Wales, West Midlands and Yorkshire & Humber.

A Met Office spokesperson said: ‘While there is some uncertainty, thunderstorms may affect South East England during the early hours of Thursday, perhaps also extending into parts of East Anglia.

‘Where these occur, rain accumulations of 25-40 mm are possible in one hour, with a small risk of over 60mm in two to three hours, and accompanied by frequent lightning at times.

‘Elsewhere, an area of showery rain is likely to develop and move northeastwards across parts of Wales, the Midlands and northern England.

‘This will be heavy and perhaps thundery at times, persisting through Thursday morning before easing towards midday.

‘Some areas could receive rain accumulations of 25-50 mm over the course of a few hours.

‘Scattered heavy showers and thunderstorms are then expected to develop through Thursday afternoon and evening across parts of central, southern and eastern England, and perhaps also south Wales.

‘These have the potential to produce 50 mm or more in one to two hours, along with gusty winds, large hail, and the risk of surface water flooding.’

There could be some difficult driving conditions and road closures due to sudden flooding.

There is a chance of cancellations to trains and buses where lightning and flooding does occur.

Homeowners and businesses have also been warned about the potential for power cuts.

Yellow heat weather warnings have also been issued for across England – except the North East and North West – until Friday by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA)

This weather comes after scorching sun this week and highs of 27°C across many parts of the UK.

It makes a pleasant change from the dull and stormy weather we’ve seen so far throughout most of June and July.

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