FLOODING, lightning strikes and thunderstorms are set to hit the South East today.

The MET Office has issued a yellow warning for thunderstorms across the region, including all of Sussex.

A spokesman said: “Thunderstorms developing this afternoon may bring some travel disruption and flooding.

 

“Flooding of homes and businesses could happen quickly, with damage to some buildings from floodwater, lightning strikes, hail or strong winds.

“Fast flowing or deep floodwater is possible, causing a danger to life.”

The spokesman also warned that the extreme weather conditions could cause “difficult driving conditions and some road closures”.

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He said that some communities might become cut off if roads flood and power cuts were also likely.

The weather warning is in place between 1pm and 11pm today.

On its website the MET Office advised drivers to to slow down on the roads and, in heavy downpours, avoid starting their journeys until conditions cleared.

A spokesman also offered advice on how to stay safe in a thunderstorm.

He said: “There are many myths surrounding lightning - such as lightning never strikes the same place twice or it always strikes the tallest object.

“Both are false, as lightning strikes the best conductor on the ground - whether it has been struck before or not.

“Thunderstorms can occur at any time of the year but it is during the summer months when thunderstorms in the UK are most likely to produce large hail, gusty winds and torrential downpours that can cause disruption to transport networks and damage property.

“One of the most notable aspects of thunderstorms can be the localised nature of the impacts they could bring. This, in particular, can be the case with rainfall amounts, with big differences in amounts that fall from one place to another and over a very short distance.

“This can make driving conditions very hazardous.

“Other hazards include hail, decreased visibility, sudden gusty winds, standing water and of course lightning.”

He said to unplug all non-essential electrical appliances before the thunderstorm and seek shelter.

During the storm, he told Sussex residents to avoid using the phone, taps and sinks.