Met Office issues major 12hr yellow thunderstorm alert for most of the UK as heavy rain could pose ‘danger to life’

The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for thunderstorms.

England and most of Wales are expected to be hit by the warning as heavy rain could pose a ‘danger to life.’

The warning is in place from midday on Thursday and will last into the early hours of Friday morning.

The full list of areas affected are: Wales, East Midlands, South West England, East of England, London & South East England, North West England, Yorkshire & Humber, West Midlands and North East England.

The alert issued by the Met Office reads: “Heavy showers and thunderstorms are likely to break out across parts of England and Wales on Thursday afternoon. The exact location of showers is still uncertain and some places will stay dry all day.

“However, where the showers do occur they could be torrential, with the additional hazards of lightning, hail and gusty winds…spray and sudden flooding could lead to difficult driving conditions and some road closures”.

The warning adds: “Where flooding or lightning strikes occur, there is a chance of delays and some cancellations to train and bus services.

“There is a slight chance that power cuts could occur and other services to some homes and businesses could be lost.”

There is a small possibility that fast flowing, deep floodwater could cause “danger to life”, while homes and businesses could be flooded, with some buildings at risk of damage from floodwater, lightning strikes, hail or strong winds.

More to come…