Torrential rain could cause ‘danger to life'
Parts of southern England are set to be battered by torrential rain on Saturday, which could cause 'significant' flooding, the Met Office said.
An amber warning for thunderstorms has been issued for between 4am and 11am, spanning major towns and cities including London, Brighton, Portsmouth, Chelmsford, St Albans and Cambridge.
Forecasters have warned that sudden flooding on roads and homes is possible, with some more remote communities at risk of being cut off, while delays to train and bus services are also likely.
Power cuts could also occur and buildings are at risk of damage from floodwater, lightning strikes, hail and strong winds.
The Met Office also warned of 'danger of life' conditions as fast-flowing or deep floodwaters are likely.
On Friday, two yellow weather warnings are in place across Yorkshire and the north-east of England from 11am to 8pm.
Jason Kelly, the chief meteorologist at the Met Office, said: 'Within the warm and humid airmass we will potentially see temperatures reaching 30°C or more for parts of eastern England by Friday, with very warm and muggy conditions continuing into the weekend in parts of central and southern England.'
Meanwhile, hosepipe bans have been announced by four water companies.
Eight million people across Britain are set to be barred from using their hosepipes as water companies blame dry weather, despite this week's rainfall.
A ban is already in force for Yorkshire Water's five million customers, while South East Water's started for 1.4 million people in Kent and Sussex today.
More than one million people across Thames Water 's Oxfordshire, Gloucestershire, most of Wiltshire and some parts of Berkshire will be banned from using their hosepipes on Tuesday.
It means 12 per cent of the country will be under the restrictions in under a week's time.
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