Southern England and Wales face a day of severe thunderstorms as a Met Office yellow warning brings the threat of flooding, power cuts and travel chaos to millions across the region.
The warning, which began early Monday morning, covers a vast area from Cornwall to East Anglia, with major cities including London, Bristol, Cardiff and Birmingham all in the firing line. Forecasters warn some areas could see 30mm of rain within an hour, with up to 50mm possible over several hours.
The entire country of Wales falls under the alert, with coastal areas and river valleys facing particular risks of surface water flooding. Heavy downpours, lightning strikes, hail and gusty winds of up to 50mph are all expected as the storms sweep across the affected regions.
Lightning strikes pose additional risks of power cuts and building damage, while strong winds could bring down tree branches and turn unsecured outdoor items into dangerous projectiles. Transport networks are already bracing for disruption, with train and bus services likely to face delays or cancellations.
The Met Office is urging residents to take immediate precautions: avoid walking or driving through floodwater, unplug non-essential electrical appliances during storms, and secure loose outdoor furniture. Despite the severe weather, temperatures will remain relatively warm at 20-22°C in southern England before the storms hit.
Commuters are being advised to check transport updates before travelling, as the combination of intense rainfall and strong winds creates hazardous conditions on roads and railways. The warning remains in place for most of Monday, with conditions expected to ease gradually on Tuesday.
Northern Ireland and Scotland escape this particular weather system, though isolated showers remain possible across these areas without the widespread intensity forecast further south.
Source: Met Office