The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning with thunderstorms set to hit the region later today.

The yellow warning, one of two issued for the South West and the South East respectively, will come into force from midday today.

The one for the South East will remain in course until 11.59pm tonight.

According to the Met Office, spray and sudden flooding may cause difficult driving conditions and some road closures.

Where flooding or lightning strikes may happen, there is a chance of delays and cancellations of train and bus services, the office said.

It added: "There is a slight chance that power cuts could occur and other services to some homes and businesses could be lost

"There is a small chance that homes and businesses could be flooded quickly, with damage to some buildings from floodwater, lightning strikes, hail or strong winds."

The warning states there is "likely to be slow-moving heavy showers and thunderstorms, perhaps with hail and lightning, which should gradually ease away later on Tuesday evening".

Across the warning area, which covers from Hampshire to Kent and as far north to Norfolk, 20-30mm of rain in one hour or less is possible, with a few places receiving 40-50mm in 2-3 hours.