Thunder warning for Sunday 11th June includes New Forest

A WARNING for thunderstorms and heavy rain flirts with the New Forest this weekend.

The Met Office has issued a yellow alert for Sunday afternoon and evening, with hail also likely in some places.

The warning area covers most of the western side of the UK but touches into northern parts of the New Forest including Fordingbridge and Bramshaw.

The national weather agency says there’s a chance homes and businesses will flood quickly, with damage from floodwater, lightning strikes, hail or strong winds.

There may be delays and cancellations to train and bus services, difficult driving conditions, road closures and power cuts.

A Met Office spokesperson said: “High temperatures on Sunday will trigger a scattering of showers, some of which are likely to be torrential and thundery, perhaps bringing a few places 30-40mm in an hour.

“The odd place, affected by multiple showers, could see more than this, perhaps in excess of 60mm in a few hours, this being most likely across Wales and central England.

“As well as rain, additional hazards will be hail, strong gusts of wind, and lightning will be additional hazards.

“Despite this, many places in the warning area will remain dry, or only see small amounts of rain, due to the scattered nature of the heaviest showers.”

The warning is in place from midday to 9pm Sunday.