HEAVY showers and thunderstorms are likely to break out in Surrey and Hampshire on Thursday afternoon, The Met Office has warned.

Between 20mm and 30mm of rain in an hour is possible in a few places, leading to surface water flooding, whilst there is a chance of one or two impacts from lightning and hail.

While some parts will see little rain, afternoon thunderstorms are likely to bring torrential rain, hail and lightning to a few places before fading away by early evening.

In response The Met Office has issued a ’yellow’ weather warning, with spray and sudden flooding could lead to difficult driving conditions and some road closures.

The forecaster’s warning states: "There is a small chance that homes and businesses could be flooded quickly, with damage to some buildings from floodwater, lightning strikes or hail.

"There is also a slight chance that power cuts could occur and other services to some homes and businesses could be lost.

"Where flooding or lightning strikes occur, there is a chance of delays and some cancellations to train and bus services.

"There is a small chance of fast flowing or deep floodwater causing danger to life."