Two thunderstorm warnings issued for millions of Brits on Thursday - full list of counties

The Met Office has issued two thunderstorm alerts on Thursday, warning of Brits ‘flooding of homes could happen quickly’.

Two separate yellow weather warnings for thunderstorms are in place, covering 56 counties across much of England and all of Wales. Major cities subject to the warnings include London, Cardiff, Manchester , Leeds, and Birmingham.

The first warning covers London and the south east, from 2am to 8am on Thursday (August 27). The second much larger and long-lasting warning is in force from 5am to 10pm, covering Wales, the Midlands, the North West, and parts of Yorkshire.

Some areas could see between 50-75mm of rainfall on Thursday, along with lightning and hail, which could cause some disruption, along with warm temperatures with highs of 27 or 28C, the Met Office said.

The south east warning area could see 30-40mm of rainfall and “fairly large hail between 1-2cm”, while the bigger warning area could have more than 75mm of rain through 12 hours in parts, Met Office forecaster Craig Snell said.

Temperatures will drop closer to average for the time of the year over the weekend, with highs of 24 or 25C on Friday, then 22 or 23C until Monday.

The Met Office issued the same advice on what to expect for both. It said: “Thunderstorms and heavy rain may lead to some disruption.

“Where flooding or lightning strikes occur, there is a chance of delays and some cancellations to train and bus services. Spray and sudden flooding could lead to difficult driving conditions and some road closures.

“Flooding of homes and businesses could happen quickly, with damage to some buildings from floodwater, lightning strikes. Power cuts might occur and other services to some homes and businesses could be lost.”

It says you can take the following action to protect yourself: “Consider if your location is at risk of flash flooding. If so, consider preparing a flood plan and an emergency flood kit.

“Give yourself the best chance of avoiding delays by checking road conditions if driving, or bus and train timetables, amending your travel plans if necessary.

“People cope better with power cuts when they have prepared for them in advance. It's easy to do; consider gathering torches and batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essential items.

“If you find yourself outside and hear thunder, protect yourself by finding a safe enclosed shelter (such as a car). Do not shelter under or near trees, or other structures which may be struck by lightning. If you are on an elevated area, move to lower ground.”