UK weather forecast: Thunderstorm warning in force as Met Office warn of travel disruption and power cuts

Heavy thunderstorms are expected to cause power loss, flooding and disrupt travel across the North and West of England.

The Met Office has issued a yellow thunderstorm warning as a huge storm is set to move in across parts the country between 1pm and 9pm today.

After the Bank Holiday heatwave, which saw record-breaking Easter Monday temperatures in parts of the country, stormy and rainy weather is now expected to descend across the UK for the rest of the week.

The London Marathon on Sunday may escape the rainy weather as cloudy skies are currently forecast with a 10 to 20 per cent chance of precipitation.

Temperatures are expected to be around 10-13 degrees from 10am to 7pm as runners take to the capital’s streets.

The thunderstorm warning covers from Leicester up to Carlisle and Manchester across to York.

Possible damage to a few buildings and structures from lightning strikes are expected, while short term power loss and possible delays to train services are also possible.

The Met Office warns that there is “a good chance that driving conditions will be affected by spray, standing water and/or hail, leading to longer journey times by car and bus.

“Flood of a few homes and businesses is possible.”

Martin Bolwes, a Met Office meteorologist said heavy rain, large hail stones and gusts of 30-35mph winds will hit areas within the warning zone.

He said: “The heavier showers we are expecting 20mm or 30mm in over two hours.

"It is enough to cause flooding on roads, under railways and some very large puddles but only certain localised which will get those rains.”

“Places outside of that area, for example, North Wales, are likely to get thunderstorms this afternoon, but these will be minor compared to the warning area which is where disruption is most probable.”

He advised people planning to travel to “slow down and take extra care in heavy showers.”

“Drive slower if any thunderstorms hit the area where you are driving as hail stones and heavy rain may hit the road.

“Take extra care while travelling around. A good idea if you’re in a thunderstorm to take shelter if you’re out walking and wait for the storm to pass.

“Anywhere in the warning area trains could possibly be disrupted."