THUNDERSTORMS and heavy rain are forecast to lash the Hampshire this afternoon, triggering warnings of flooding and travel disruption.

The Met Office has issued a yellow thunderstorm warning for the south coast of England from midday until 9pm today, August 9.

Flooding could cause roads to close, while extreme weather may damage buildings and cause power cuts and cancellations to train and bus services.

But temperatures will remain warm with highs of up to 22 °C throughout the afternoon.

Hampshire is expected to see heavy downpours with 20 to 40mm of rain possible in a two to three hour period, according to the Met Office.

Here is the full forecast and what to expect:

Today:

A cloudy start with most parts seeing outbreaks of rain, perhaps heavy and rather thundery. Cloud breaking to allow some brightness through the morning with rain turning to showers. These heavy with thunder in places. Maximum temperature 22 °C.

Tonight:

Showers may continue across some areas well into the evening before probably turning isolated after midnight with clear spells developing. Dry later with light winds. Minimum temperature 11 °C.

  • There is a small chance that homes and businesses could be flooded quickly, with damage to some buildings from floodwater, lightning strikes, hail or strong winds
  • Spray and sudden flooding could lead to difficult driving conditions and some road closures
  • There is a small chance that some communities become cut off by flooded roads
  • Where flooding or lightning strikes occur, there is a chance of delays and some cancellations to train and bus services
  • There is a slight chance that power cuts could occur and other services to some homes and businesses could be lost