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Torrential rain, hail and thunderstorms lash Britain with more on the way

Huge lightning storms hit the UK last weekend (SWNS)
Huge lightning storms hit the UK last weekend (SWNS)

Travellers face disruption on Friday after torrential rainstorms continued to hit Britain.

Forecasters have warned of difficult driving conditions and flooding after yesterday’s amber weather warning, which expired at 6am this morning.

A yellow warning is in force for Scotland, Northern Ireland and the west of England between 9am and 10pm.

Met Office meteorologist John West said a “lively” day was in store on Friday, despite a bright start for some.

He said: “It will be a warm and humid day, with some decent spells of sunshine. But with the temperatures rising and an awful lot of moisture in the air, we’ll see more heavy showers and thunderstorms returning by early afternoon.

“This will affect Northern Ireland, Scotland and western parts of England and Wales.

“With some torrential downpours, it is likely that we will see some localised flooding.”

Forecasters predict up to 1.8 inches of rain could fall in the space of an hour in some parts, rising to 3.6 inches over three hours.

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It comes after storms and heavy downpours caused problems in some parts on Thursday afternoon and overnight, with disruption expected to continue into the morning.

Train passengers in the Midlands could find their journeys affected after lightning strikes damaged equipment between Birmingham New Street and Wolverhampton.

Network Rail said disruption was expected until about 9am.

South-west parts of England were worst-affected overnight, with Gloucestershire County Council reporting multiple calls to the fire service over flash flooding.

Conditions on the road are set to be treacherous following stormy weather (SWNS)
Conditions on the road are set to be treacherous following stormy weather (SWNS)

On Thursday evening, Didcot Parkway railway station in Oxfordshire flooded, leaving passengers to wade through deep waters or be helped by firefighters.

Kate Marks, Environment Agency flood duty manager, said teams would work “24/7” to operate flood defences, clear blockages in rivers and streams and support partners at any incidents of surface water flooding.

“With heavy rain forecast during rush hour, drivers should stay up to date with the latest weather forecast and travel information before making their journey,” she said.

“We remind people not to drive through flood water as just 30cm can move your car.”