A series of ‘very active’ thunderstorms are due to hit Oxfordshire this afternoon.

The Met Office has issued an amber warning of thunderstorms affecting South East England and London.

The warning is in place from now until 7pm.

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The thunderstorms are set to bring heavy rain, lightning, strong winds and hail.

Travel disruption is also expected.

 

A Met Office statement said: “A cluster or line of very active thunderstorms is moving towards the northwest from from Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire towards the West Midlands.

“These will bring a period of exceptionally heavy rainfall with 30-40mm falling in around 30 minutes, perhaps around 60mm in an hour for some locations.

“Frequent lightning strikes, winds that may gust to 45 mph, and some large hail stones perhaps up to 4cm in diameter will also accompany the storms.

 

“Surface water flooding may happen very quickly, likely disrupting travel and flooding some properties (especially in urban areas).

“Lightning, strong winds and hail will all pose a significant danger to those outdoors.”

National Highways has warned motorists to take care due to the potential for thunderstorms and torrential rain. 

"Wet weather makes it harder for tyres to grip the road and harder for drivers to see ahead," a statement said.

This comes following a day of hot weather.

Heavy thunderstorms also hit Oxfordshire yesterday afternoon causing widespread flooding and travel disruption.

The high temperatures are expected to continue all week.