Thunderstorm could hit Brighton and Sussex overnight

Heavy rain and lightning could affect several areas along the South Coast between midnight and 10am tomorrow.

The Met Office said there is a small chance that homes and businesses could be flooded, with damage to some buildings from floodwater, lightning strikes, hail or strong winds.

Driving conditions could be difficult due to spray and sudden flooding. Bus and train services could also be delayed or cancelled.

There is also a slight chance that power cuts could occur.

Picture from Luke Usherwood in the Coombe Road area of Brighton in May

Between 20 mm and 50mm of rain will hit some places on the south coast.

The Met Office said: “While many places will stay dry, thunderstorms will bring heavy rain and lightning to some places early on Saturday.

“There is the possibility of thunderstorms moving north into southern counties of England during the early hours of Saturday, these then easing later in the morning.

Picture in our camera club by Nick Ryder of a lightning strike near Rampion Wind Farm last month

“Many places will miss the worst of them, but where they do occur frequent lightning and heavy rain is possible.

“A few places could see 20-30 mm of rain within an hour, with a small chance of 50 mm in two to three hours, most likely near the south coast.”

Sussex was hit with thunder and lightning just two weeks ago.