Met Office issues weather warning for heavy rain across the south

A WEATHER alert for the chance of heavy rain has been issued for a swathe of the south including the New Forest and Christchurch today (Tuesday).

After wet conditions over the weekend which led to high river levels locally, the Met Office has forecast more of the same with a low-level yellow warning of possible flooding, lightning and hail between 6am and 8pm.

It warned of the possibility of 40-50mm of rain within a few hours in the worst-hit areas, but added that most places within the warning zone – between the south coast and Birmingham – would see only “relatively small” amounts.

Spray could make driving conditions difficult and there could be delays or cancellations to train and bus services. Homes and business might be flooded with the chance of power cuts and damage to buildings.

The Met Office said: “Heavy showers are expected to affect south Wales and south-west England on Tuesday morning then other parts of southern England during the day, peaking across the south-east during the afternoon.

“These will become slow-moving for a time with some very large rainfall totals possible in a few places. Whilst many places will see showers, the majority of places will see only relatively small rainfall accumulations.

“The highest rainfall accumulations are only likely to occur in a few spots where the showers become slow-moving, with 40-50 mm possible in only a couple of hours.

“Lightning and some hail may also prove additional hazards for one or two locations.”

The showers are expected to clear from the west and the north later in the afternoon but persist in the south-east into the evening.