UK weather: Met Office issues thunderstorm warnings

The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for thunderstorms in some parts of the UK.

Large parts of the south of England and Wales have been warned to expect higher chance of heavy rain, thunderstorms, and potential flooding. The warnings will take effect from 8pm today (May 1) until 8am tomorrow (May 2) in some parts while other parts will see the warning from 11pm tonight until 6am tomorrow.

Some cities areas covered by the warning include London, Brighton, Oxford, Bath, and Cardiff. Due to the thunderstorms, travellers have been cautioned to expect some travel disruptions including delays or even cancellations to some train and bus services.

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A Met Office spokesman said: "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 two or three hour period."

There may also be a chance of power cuts occurring in areas covered by the thunderstorm warning, which could affect both homes and businesses. Lightning strikes could also increase the chance of delays to public services while also affecting the safety of homes and businesses to some degree.