Thunderstorm warnings extended, with half a month’s rain falling within an hour

Parts of southern England could see more than half of their average September rainfall in the space of an hour today, as thunderstorm warnings cover much of the country.

Exeter in Dorset and Taunton in Somerset are among the areas affected by a brief, brief thunderstorm warning until 4pm.

The Met Office said homes and businesses in the area were “likely” to be flooded in this area of ​​England, with the fast-moving water posing a “life risk”.

The weather agency added that public transportation and driving conditions are likely to be affected by floods or lightning.

Meanwhile, two separate yellow warnings are in place in south-west England and south Wales until 6pm today, and across London, south-east and east England and the east Midlands until 6am on Monday.

It is expected that between 30 to 40 mm of rain will fall in some parts of the country.

This could amount to more than half of September’s average rainfall, which ranges from 55mm to 60mm.

Heavy rain on Sunday morning brought heavy rain to southwest England, with localized flooding in south Devon – an area later included in the orange warning.

Jonathan Vautrey, a meteorologist at the Met Office, said: “There is a potential for these thunderstorms to become severe,” bringing “gusty winds with very heavy rainfall.”

He added that they will move relatively quickly, making it difficult to determine exactly which places are most affected.

The forecaster added: “It’s definitely worth keeping up with the forecast.

“Although the warning area covers the whole of south-east England, not everywhere in that area may see the most severe thunderstorms.

“It’s a good idea to check these things right away before setting off on your trip so you’re aware of where the most severe thunderstorms could occur.

“Make sure to be careful because the weather can change in very short periods of time, and be prepared for those gusty winds and possible large hail storms.”

Conditions are expected to become more active next week, although they may be “stormy at times” as minor, less severe remnants of Cyclone Lee pass over the UK in the middle of next week.

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