The Met Office has issued two weather warnings for thunderstorms in southern England, including Milton Keynes.

Yellow weather warnings for thunderstorms are in place between 12pm and 8pm on Friday 20th September, and again in place for the whole day of Saturday 21st September.

The warning said that while some places are expecting to remain dry in this time, thunderstorms and heavy showers could cause some disruption on Friday and Saturday in a few places.

Under the yellow warnings, the Met Office advise that there is a risk of some damage to a few buildings and structures from lightning strikes, and that some short term loss of power and other services is likely.

Delays to train services are possible, while driving conditions may be affected by spray, standing water and/or hail, leading to longer journey times by car and bus.

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, and there is also a small chance of fast flowing or deep floodwater causing danger to life.

In a statement, the Met Office’s Chief Meteorologist Neil Armstrong, said that the storms are expected as a development following a period of calmer, warmer weather.

Armstrong said, “Thundery downpours are expected to develop in places across the south on Friday afternoon bringing frequent lightning, gusty winds, hail, and spells of heavy rain. The risk of thunderstorms persists into Saturday with potentially longer spells of heavy rain for some along with a continued risk of hail and lightning accompanying the most intense storms, particularly in parts of the Midlands, southern England and east Wales during Saturday afternoon and evening.

“The warnings cover the areas of the country most at risk of seeing thunderstorms but not everyone within a warning area will experience a thunderstorm. For many much of the time it will remain dry.

“We are also expecting these showers to merge into longer spells of heavy rain on Sunday and Monday across some southern and central parts, and once the full details become clearer, we may well issue further severe weather warnings so keep up to date with the latest forecast for your area”