The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for heavy rain across the South East of England, with residents urged to take precautions to avoid flooding and disruption. The warning, which is in place until 10am on Friday, covers areas including Kent, Surrey, and parts of Sussex.
According to the Met Office, heavy rain is expected to fall on already saturated ground, leading to a risk of flooding and disruption to transport links. Residents are advised to be prepared for flash flooding and to avoid walking or driving through floodwater.
The Met Office has predicted that parts of the region could see up to 40mm of rainfall by the end of Thursday, with some areas potentially seeing heavier falls. The rain is expected to clear by Friday morning, but not before causing significant disruption.
Regional breakdowns show that the worst of the rain is expected in Kent, where up to 50mm of rainfall is forecast. Surrey and Sussex are also expected to see heavy rain, with up to 40mm predicted in some areas.
Residents are advised to stay safe and avoid travel unless absolutely necessary. If you must travel, be sure to check the latest weather forecast and road conditions before setting out.
For those in affected areas, practical safety advice includes avoiding walking or driving through floodwater, keeping an eye on local news and weather updates, and being prepared for power cuts or other disruptions.