Sussex could be struck by torrential downpours and hail overnight.

A second yellow weather warning for thunderstorms has been issued by the Met Office, in place from 8pm tonight until 5am tomorrow morning.

The warning covers almost the entire county, with some areas of southern and eastern England expected to see up to 60mm (just over two inches) of rain in two to three hours.

Hail up to two centimetres in diameter and frequent lightning is also anticipated across East Sussex, as well as Kent and East Anglia.

The Met Office has also warned of a “small chance” of fast-flowing or deep floodwater that could pose a “danger to life”.

Some areas may also have a slight chance of power failures.

A spokesman for the Met Office said: “Whilst many places will see relatively small amounts of rain, some heavy and possibly torrential thunderstorms are likely to develop during Friday evening across parts of South East England.

“Overnight, they are expected to move north before easing during the early hours of Saturday morning.

“Whilst rainfall amounts are expected to vary significantly, there is the potential for a few places to see up to 20-40mm in one hour and 40-60mm in two to three hours.

“In addition to heavy rain, hail up to two centimetres in diameter and frequent lightning are additional hazards accompanying more active thunderstorms - these are slightly more likely across the east of the area, including East Anglia, Kent and East Sussex.”

The warning comes after a yellow weather warning was put in place for the entire county for thunderstorms until midday today.