As heavy rainfall continues to batter parts of the UK, the Met Office has issued severe warnings for flash floods and storm conditions, effective Thursday evening into Friday morning.
An amber warning is in place for the Midlands and southern regions, predicting rainfall of 30-40mm within just three hours.
This warning extends to areas including Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Leicestershire, and the West Midlands.
The Tornado and Storm Research Organisation (Torro) has forecasted dangerous weather patterns for the southeast, including potential lightning strikes, winds reaching up to 50mph, and the possibility of isolated tornadoes.
Motorists are advised to avoid flooded roads amid forecasts of high winds and lightning.East Anglia, the southeast Midlands, and central southern England are particularly at risk.
Hitchin in Hertfordshire is already experiencing significant flooding, with local authorities reporting road closures in the town center.
Solihull has also been impacted, leading to travel disruptions on West Midlands Railway services.
Currently, the Environment Agency has issued 40 flood warnings across England, indicating imminent flooding, while 114 flood alerts suggest further flooding may occur in vulnerable areas such as Bedfordshire, Northamptonshire, and Oxfordshire.
The Met Office warns that slow-moving showers will develop into a heavy band of rain, likely resulting in travel disruptions and further flooding due to saturated ground.
Motorists are urged to exercise caution, avoiding driving through floodwaters to reduce the risk of accidents and aquaplaning.
As the rain is expected to clear by Friday, colder temperatures are forecasted for Saturday, marking a shift in conditions. Residents are advised to stay alert and prepared for ongoing weather challenges in the coming days.