Thunderstorm weather warning issued across the South

It comes in to force tonight (Wednesday 16th June)

Author: Ryan BurrowsPublished 16th Jun 2021

The Met Office has issued a weather warning for thunderstorms across the South.

The yellow warning, which covers Dorset, Hampshire, the Isle of Wight and West Sussex, comes into force at 6pm on Wednesday (June 16th) and ends at one minute to midnight on Thursday (June 17th).

It's then issued again from Friday at 9am until Saturday at 9am.

It follows days of warm and sunny weather, with Monday being the hottest day of the year so far.

The Met Office says there is the potential for travel disruption and flooding.

What can we expect?

  • 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
  • There is a small chance of fast flowing or deep floodwater causing danger to life
  • Where flooding or lightning strikes occur, there is a chance of delays and some cancellations to train and bus services
  • Spray and sudden flooding could lead to difficult driving conditions and some road closures
  • There is a small chance that some communities become cut off by flooded roads
  • There is a slight chance that power cuts could occur and other services to some homes and businesses could be lost

A Met Office spokesperson said:

"Although there remains significant uncertainty in location and timing, areas of thunderstorms are expected to move northeast across parts of England and Wales from late Wednesday through to Friday morning.

"Whilst not all locations will be affected, some intense thunderstorms may occur during this period with torrential rain, hail, frequent lightning and strong gusty winds possible.

"Rainfall totals of around 30 mm could fall in an hour, with some locations potentially receiving around 50 mm in 2-3 hours, although these will be fairly isolated."

You can hear all the latest news on the hour, every hour.