Thunderstorms and flooding 'likely' as Met Office issues fresh severe amber rain warning

A severe amber rain warning is in place across parts of England and the Midlands, with the Met Office warning that some parts of the country are at risk of further flooding

The UK is bracing for yet more rain and thunderstorms today, with weather forecasters warning of major disruption across the country. A rain weather warning is already in place across England and Wales, with a risk of lightning strikes and flooding in the South West.

The Met Office has issued a more severe amber rain warning, which will come into effect later today (September 26). The amber warning, which runs from 6pm today until 6am tomorrow, covers parts of Gloucestershire and the Midlands.

Forecasters warn: "Heavy rain is likely to cause flooding and transport disruption this evening and overnight." The Met Office predict showers and thunderstorms will develop throughout the afternoon, before "merging into a large band of heavy rain" later this evening.

"Some places, especially across central and eastern parts of the warning area, are likely to receive 30-40mm in three hours or less, and perhaps 50-60mm or more in around six hours," the Met Office said.

The downpour will fall onto already saturated ground, affecting communities still recovering from recent flooding. Travel disruption and further flooding is expected, with rivers set to continue rising even after the rain has cleared, reports Gloucestershire Live.

Locals are being warned to brace themselves for:

• Spray and flooding probably leading to difficult driving conditions and some road closures
• Homes and businesses are likely to be flooded, causing damage to some buildings
• A good chance some communities will be cut off by flooded roads
• Delays and some cancellations to train and bus services are likely
• Power cuts and loss of other services to some homes and businesses likely

After an afternoon of showers, a heavy band of rain is expected to form across the region at around 10pm. Weather maps indicate this band will move southwards throughout the night, hitting Bristol at around 1am, before disappearing into the East by approximately 8am tomorrow morning.

This comes on top of an already bleak forecast of wet weather, flood risks and thunderstorms across the South West. A yellow rain warning is in place until 9am tomorrow over most of England and Wales - including all of the West Country.

Forecasters warn there's a 'small' chance the severe weather could pose a risk to life due to fast-flowing or deep floodwater. Flash-flooding affected many roads last Friday when disruptive weather struck the county. Flood alerts are currently in force, including on the River Severn, with warnings that flooding is possible and residents should be prepared.