Met Office issues new 12-hour thunderstorm warning for Bristol

Forecasters have warned that lightning could strike buildings

Bristol has been hit with a new thunderstorm warning today (Tuesday, October 8). The Met Office yellow warning is in place from 10am until 10pm and covers parts of eastern Bristol.

Forecasters have also warned of widespread travel disruption as heavy rain hits the area. Some homes may also be hit by power cuts while lightning strikes are a possibility.

The Met Office said: "Showers and thunderstorms will spread from the southwest, as well as developing over land, during the morning, lasting through the afternoon and well into the evening.

"Whilst some areas will miss these, where they develop 20-30 mm of rain within 2-3 hours, with a small chance that a few places could receive 40-50 mm over a longer period - especially across the southeast of the area this evening.

"Hail and lightning will be additional hazards, with a risk of temporary hail accumulations in places. In addition, heavy showers and thunderstorms will be associated with strong and gusty winds in the south of the warning area at times with 40 mph gusts possible."

Forecasters have outlined what to expect during the warning:

• There is a good chance driving conditions will be affected by spray, standing water and/or hail, leading to longer journey times by car and bus
• Some flooding of a few homes and businesses likely, leading to some damage to buildings or structures, especially across the southeast of the area where highest rainfall most likely
• Probably some damage to a few buildings and structures from lightning strikes
• Delays to train services are possible
• Some short term loss of power and other services is likely