The Met Office has issued an amber weather warning for thunderstorms across the southeast of England, including South East London.

This weather warning is in place until 11.59pm today (August 17).

Areas also affected by the warning include other parts of the south east such as Brighton.

Whilst much of the south-east is covered with a yellow warning for thunderstorms including neighbouring region Hertfordshire.

A Met Office spokesperson said: "Heavy showers and thunderstorms are expected to break out today leading to some flooding and disruption.

"Some places will miss these, but where they do occur, 30 to 50 mm of rain could fall in less than an hour and a few places may see in excess of 100 mm in a few hours where storms are slow moving.

"Lightning and hail will be additional hazards. Showers and storms will slowly die out this evening."

What do weather warnings mean?

Met Office issues amber weather warning for thunderstorms in South East London

In terms of what to expect, the Met Office has said:

  • Flooding of homes and businesses is likely and could happen quickly, with damage to some buildings from floodwater, lightning strikes, hail or strong winds
  • Fast flowing or deep floodwater is likely, causing danger to life
  • Where flooding or lightning strikes occur, delays and some cancellations to train and bus services are likely
  • Spray and sudden flooding probably leading to difficult driving conditions and some road closures
  • Some communities likely to become cut off if roads flood
  • Power cuts likely to occur and other services to some homes and businesses could be lost

You can view the forecast via the Met Office website.