Met Office yellow thunderstorm warning for New Forest and Christchurch on Thursday

A THUNDERSTORM warning for the New Forest and Christchurch brings a risk of flooding with “a small chance” of danger to life.

The Met Office has issued the alert for Thursday, between midday and midnight, covering most of the UK.

Amid expected heavy showers, people are warned spray and sudden flooding could make driving conditions difficult and shut roads.

Train and bus services could be delayed or cancelled in areas affected by flooding or lightning strikes.

According to the Met Office, there is a small chance of fast flowing or deep floodwater causing danger to life.

It also states there is a small chance of homes and businesses being quickly flooded, with damage to some buildings from floodwater, lightning strikes, hail or strong winds.

There is also a slight chance of power cuts and other services to some homes and businesses being lost.

A Met Office spokesperson said: “Heavy showers and thunderstorms are likely to break out across parts of England and Wales on Thursday afternoon.

“The exact location of showers is still uncertain and some places will stay dry all day.

“However, where the showers do occur they could be torrential, with the additional hazards of lightning, hail and gusty winds.”

The heaviest showers could result in 20-30mm within an hour, with 24-hour accumulations possibly reaching as much as 70-90mm where multiple showers hit the same area.