Thunderstorms could bring flooding and power cuts tonight.

The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for thunderstorms for our region from 6pm tonight until 9pm tomorrow.

The weather warning covers much of the south eastern England, eastern England, and the East Midlands - including Hertfordshire, London, and Essex.

The storms could bring torrential rain, hail and lightning to a few places, with potential disruption to travel and flooding.

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.

 

Spray and sudden flooding could lead to difficult driving conditions and some road closures while power cuts could occur and other services to some homes and businesses could be lost, the Met Office has warned.

The Met Office issues the following advice if you find yourself driving in wet and hazardous weather

  • If you can, choose main roads, where you are less likely to be exposed to fallen branches and debris and flooding.
  • Use dipped headlights if visibility is seriously reduced.
  • Gusts of wind can unsettle vehicles – grip your steering wheel firmly with both hands. This is particularly important when planning to overtake.
  • Keep an eye out for gaps between trees, buildings or bridges over a river or railway – these are some of the places you are more likely to be exposed to side winds. Ensure that you maintain enough room either side of your vehicle so you can account for it being blown sideways.
  • Roads will be more slippery than usual in wet weather – be sure to give yourself more time to react when approaching a hazard. Increase your following gap to at least four seconds from the moving traffic in front.
  • Keep your eyes peeled on the road at all times as spray from other vehicles can suddenly reduce your visibility. Remember it affects others too, so anticipate their actions and be prepared.
  • Remember to give vulnerable road users including cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians more room than usual. They are more likely to be blown around by side winds – always keep a safe distance.
  • Once you have managed to drive through check your brakes and dry them out as quickly as possible – a light touch of the brakes whilst still moving should do the trick.