Thunderstorm warning issued for flooding and power cuts this weekend

The Met Office has issued an urgent warning for thunderstorms for much of England and Wales that could spark flooding and power cuts this weekend.

The forcecaster has issued a yellow warning for heavy rain and storms starting at midnight on Saturday and remaining in force for 24 hours.

It said there is a small chance homes and businesses could be flooded quickly and buildings could be damaged from floodwater, lightning strikes, hail or strong winds.

There could also be delays or cancellations to trains and buses where flooding or lightning strikes happen and there is a slight chance some communities may be cut off by water-logged roads.

Earlier in the week, a heat alert for the whole of England was extended with more hot weather forecast over the weekend.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has placed five regions of England under a yellow health alert until Monday 19 June.

The alert was previously set for Tuesday 13 June.

A yellow health alert means that there is likely to be increased use of health services by vulnerable populations, according to the UKHSA.

There is also an increase in risk to health for people over the age of 65 or with pre-existing health conditions, including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.

On Friday, a hosepipe ban affecting millions of residents in South East England was announced by a water company after record demand for drinking supplies amid the scorching hot weather.

South East Water (SEW) has announced restrictions for its customers in Kent and Sussex.

A similar ban for customers in the two counties was introduced in August 2022 following the driest July in Kent since records began and the lowest rainfall in Sussex since 1911.

The latest ban will come into force on 26 June and remain until further notice.