Residents across the south west are being advised to prepare for heavy rain and thunderstorms as a weather warning has been issued by the Met Office.

Forecasters say the region is likely to be hit by thunderstorms, which will produce some disruption overnight.

The county has experienced mixed weather conditions over the previous days with some sunshine, heat and mostly rain.

The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for thunderstorms which will be in place from 4am tomorrow until noon tomorrow.

The warning covers all of the south west, and into parts of central, southern and eastern England during Wednesday morning.

The weather forecasters warn of 'heavy rain, thunderstorms and very gusty winds' which 'may cause travel disruption in some places.

The Met Office predict a strong possibility of winds reaching speeds between 40mph to 50mph.

The Met Office has told us what to expect:

  • There is a small chance that homes and businesses could be flooded quickly, with damage to some buildings from floodwater, lightning strikes, hail or strong winds
  • Spray and sudden flooding could lead to difficult driving conditions and some road closures
  • Where flooding or lightning strikes occur, there is a chance of delays and some cancellations to train and bus services
  • There is a slight chance that power cuts could occur and other services to some homes and businesses could be lost
  • There is a small chance of damage to trees by strong and gusty winds

A spokesman for the Met Office said: "An area of heavy rain and thunderstorms will move quickly eastwards across Wales and south western England into parts of central, southern and eastern England during Wednesday morning.

"Many areas will see a spell of rain whilst some places will be affected by thunderstorms bringing a brief period of heavy rain, lightning, and strong, gusty winds with hail also affecting some spots.

"Gusts will tend to peak at 40-50 mph, but whilst very unlikely in any one place, much stronger winds are possible here and there, then potentially damaging some structures."