Met Office issues yellow weather warnings as thunderstorms threaten 'flooding and travel disruption'

The Met Office has issued weather warnings for large parts of England and Wales as it warns of thunderstorms that could bring 'sudden flooding'. The warnings cover a chunk of South Wales alongside most of southern England.

The first warning, which was in place from 8pm on Wednesday, May 1, to 8am on Thursday, May 2, at the time of writing said: " Thunderstorms are likely at times later this evening and overnight, leading to travel disruption and some flooding."

The Met Office said spray and sudden flooding could lead to difficult driving conditions and some road closures. Where flooding or lightning strikes occur, there is a chance of delays and some cancellations to train and bus services.

It also said there was a slight chance that power cuts could occur and other services to some homes and businesses could be lost. There is a small chance that homes and businesses could be flooded quickly, with damage to some buildings from floodwater, lightning strikes, hail or strong winds.

It added: "Spells of heavy rain are expected this evening and overnight. In some places, most likely over northern and eastern parts of the warning area, there is a chance that rain will be accompanied by thunderstorms and frequent lightning. 20 to 40 mm of rain is expected to fall quite widely with 50 mm possible in a few places. In some places much of this rain may fall over a 2 or 3 hour period."

The first warning affects the following areas:

• Hampshire

• Isle of Wight

• Portsmouth

• Southampton

• Bath and North East Somerset

• Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole

• Bristol

• Devon

• Dorset

• Gloucestershire

• North Somerset

• Somerset

• South Gloucestershire

• Torbay

• Wiltshire

• Blaenau Gwent

• Bridgend

• Caerphilly

• Cardiff

• Carmarthenshire

• Merthyr Tydfil

• Monmouthshire

• Neath Port Talbot

• Newport

• Powys

• Rhondda Cynon Taf

• Swansea

• Torfaen

• Vale of Glamorgan

• Herefordshire

The second warning, which was in effect from 11pm on Wednesday until 6am on Thursday at the time of writing, said: "Thunderstorms are expected to move northwestwards across some parts later this evening and overnight bringing spells of heavy rain accompanied by frequent lightning with potential for 15 to 25 mm of rain to fall in 1 or 2 hours in a few places. Hail and gusty winds may also affect a few spots."

The second warning affects the following areas:

• Central Bedfordshire

• Essex

• Hertfordshire

• Luton

• Southend-on-Sea

• Thurrock

• Bracknell Forest

• Brighton and Hove

• Buckinghamshire

• East Sussex

• Greater London

• Hampshire

• Kent

• Medway

• Oxfordshire

• Reading

• Slough

• Surrey

• West Berkshire

• West Sussex

• Windsor and Maidenhead

• Wokingham

• Gloucestershire

• Swindon

• Wiltshire

• Herefordshire

• Worcestershire

The Met Office added: "Consider if your location is at risk of flash flooding. If so, consider preparing a flood plan and an emergency flood kit. Prepare to protect your property and people from injury.

"Before gusty winds arrive, check to ensure moveable objects or temporary structures are well secured. Items include; bins, garden furniture, trampolines, tents, gazebos, sheds, and fences. Give yourself the best chance of avoiding delays by checking road conditions if driving, or bus and train timetables, amending your travel plans if necessary.

" People cope better with power cuts when they have prepared for them in advance. It’s easy to do; consider gathering torches and batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essential items. If you find yourself outside and hear thunder, protect yourself by finding a safe enclosed shelter (such as a car).

"Do not shelter under or near trees, or other structures which may be struck by lightning. If you are on an elevated area move to lower ground. Be prepared for weather warnings to change quickly: when a weather warning is issued, the Met Office recommends staying up to date with the weather forecast in your area."