Thunderstorm warning for New Forest and Christchurch extended to three days by the Met Office

A THUNDERSTORM warning that includes the New Forest and Christchurch has been extended by the Met Office to three days.

As reported in the A&T, the lowest-level yellow alert was issued last week for today (Monday) – but now also includes tomorrow and Wednesday.

The warnings highlighted the chance of torrential downpours in places causing transport disruption, flooded properties, lightning strikes and power cuts.

Today's forecast, from 10am for the whole of England, said: "Hit-and-miss thunderstorms likely to develop through Monday, producing some torrential downpours for some spots, and possible disruption."

For tomorrow and Wednesday the prediction was that some places would stay dry while others would be hit by thunderstorms and torrential rain.

Tomorrow's warning covers the whole of England, saying: "20-30mm of rain is possible within an hour, but where areas of thundery rain become slow-moving, some places could see 50mm in less than three hours."

But it added: "There is considerable uncertainty at this stage in regional and county level focus."

Wednesday's forecast said rainfall of 20-30mm would be possible within an hour, but where areas of thundery rain become slow-moving, some places could see 60mm in less than three hours.

It added: "A few spots could see more rainfall than this still, whilst hail and lightning may be additional hazards."