The Met Office has issued yellow weather warnings for thunderstorms and strong winds across southern England and Wales, with up to 40mm of rain expected in just a few hours. The warnings come after London experienced flash flooding from more than half a month's rainfall in a single night, causing travel disruption and flooding on roads.
Two yellow warnings are in place: one from 3pm to midnight covering Cornwall, north Devon, and south Wales, and another from 8pm to 6am covering much of England's south coast. The Met Office cautioned that some flooding of homes and businesses is likely, and power cuts may occur. Forecaster Ellie Wilson warned of localised flooding, especially given recent rainfall, and advised only essential travel.
The Environment Agency has issued nearly 30 flood alerts and eight stronger flood warnings in Kent and Sussex, urging residents to act now. Train services have faced cancellations and delays due to flooding. Rainfall totals included 64mm in Horsmonden, 42mm at Kew Gardens, and 40.2mm in Odiham.
Once the storms clear southwards, Friday is expected to bring sunshine across most of the UK, though more unsettled weather is forecast for the weekend. Wilson noted that the heavy rainfall was caused by a stalling weather front, but it is too early to determine if November will be particularly wet overall.
