Weather warnings in place across Yorkshire as thunderstorms sweep in from the south

Torrential downpours and thunderstorms are expected to sweep in from the south. Pic: PA Wire.

The Met Office issued a yellow weather warning for region after heavy rain swept up from the south of England overnight.

Forecasters are predicting persistent and heavy rain, with more than 50mm falling in some areas by the end of today.

The Met Office warned the public to be aware of a ‘significant risk’ of localised disruption due to surface water flooding. Lightning, thunder and possibly hail may also be additional hazards.

A Met Office spokesman said: “As we have already seen this summer, this type of weather situation has the potential to cause sudden, localised surface water flooding and hazardous travelling conditions.”

The Met Office upgraded its yellow warning to amber for the east and south east of England after more than a month’s rain fell in just nine hours yesterday.

Eastbourne, East Sussex and Brighton appear to have been hit by the worst of the storms on Thursday. Speaking last night, Dan Williams from the Met Office said: “We are expecting another pulse of rain and thundery activity to come through.

“The concern is that the cumulative impact of that second pulse of rain will add to what has already fallen, and has already left some areas pretty saturated.”

An Environment Agency spokesman said: “Our teams are out on the ground working hard to reduce the risk of flooding, and will issue flood alerts and warnings for rivers if required.”

Drivers are being urged to stay safe on the roads. RAC spokesman Pete Williams said: “The RAC is urging drivers to expect the worst and prepare for challenging conditions on the roads.

“Exercising care and caution is vital in heavy rain conditions, especially as traffic volumes are particularly high at the moment.

“Cut your speed, use dipped headlights and avoid driving through deep water.

“Also be prepared to pull over and wait for the worst conditions to subside if you are hit by a heavy storm.”

Forecasters predict the rain will clear from the west through the day, becoming less heavy.