The Met Office has warned of torrential rain and frequent lightning strikes after issuing a yellow weather warning covering Watford.

It will be in place from 10am today (August 15) until the end of Wednesday (August 17).

Large parts of the UK are also covered by the warning today and tomorrow before it becomes confined to the south east on Wednesday.

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A Met Office spokesperson said: "Thunderstorms and areas of heavy rain will develop quite widely across much of England and Wales.

"The extent of these thunderstorms will be more widespread than on Monday, though some spots will still miss storms and remain dry.

What do weather warnings mean?

"20-30 mm of rain is possible within an hour, but where areas of thundery rain become slow-moving, some places could see 50 mm in less than three hours.

"There is a chance that higher totals could occur in a few spots over the course of the day.

"Hail and frequent lightning are likely additional hazards for some places."

Met Office issues yellow weather warning for thunderstorms in Watford

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

  • Spray and sudden flooding could lead to difficult driving conditions and some road closures
  • There is a chance that homes and businesses could be flooded quickly, with damage to some buildings from floodwater, lightning strikes, hail or strong winds
  • 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 fast flowing or deep floodwater
  • Where flooding or lightning strikes occur, there is a chance of delays and some cancellations to train and bus services

You can view the forecast via the Met Office website.