London weather: Flash flood warnings issued as thunderstorms set to hit the capital

Flash flooding is expected across parts of London and the south-east tonight as thunderstorms sweep cross the region.

Up to two inches of rain could hit parts of the south-east, forecasters said.

Yellow "be aware" weather warnings of heavy rain overnight and into tomorrow have been issued by the Met Office across the capital.

Forecasters said the stormy conditions, including torrential rail, hail and frequent lighting, are expected due to increasingly warm and humid air from France.

More than an inch of rain could fall in an hour, and in some spots more than two inches could fall in the space of two or three hours, the Met Office said.

The Environment Agency said localised surface water flooding could occur in areas of the south-east, particularly in parts of Kent, East Sussex and Brighton and Hove.

In response to the chance of flooding caused by the torrential downpours, theagency is urging people to check their flood risk.

Ian Nunn, Environment Agency manager, said: “Thunderstorms are expected to bring heavy rain at times across the south-east overnight into Thursday morning, and intermittently through to Friday morning, which may lead to surface water flooding in some communities, and significant disruption to travel, particularly in parts of Kent, East Sussex and Brighton and Hove.

"There is also a risk of flooding from smaller, faster responding rivers in built-up areas."

People are also being warned not to go near or try to drive through fast moving water.