Skip to content

Events cancelled as thunderstorm warning issued

Josh McLaughlin
BBC News, South East
PA Media A silhouetted person walks along a paved seafront wearing a raincoat. To the right of the image, sea splash from a large wave spills over a silhouetted fence on to the pavement behind the person. Conditions appear wet, windy and grey.PA Media
Some areas have been predicted to see 30mm (1.18in) to 40mm (1.57in) of rain, according to Met Office

The Met Office has issued a yellow thunderstorm warning for parts of England and Wales, including the south and south east.

The forecasters said heavy showers and thunderstorms could result in disruption to transport and infrastructure in Kent, Sussex and Surrey between 09:00 and 18:00 BST on Saturday.

Events have been cancelled across the weekend, including the Sussex Classic 2025, a surf ski race at Lancing Beach Green - which also acts as an assessment event for Team GB.

The Met Office is encouraging people at high-risk "flash flooding" areas to take precautions as some places are to see between 30mm (1.18in) to 40mm (1.57in) of rain.

Met Office A digital map of the south of England and Wales shows a 'Yellow: Thunderstorm' warning from the East of England to Plymouth in Devon. It is highlighted in yellow and covers the East Midlands, East of England, London, South East England, South West England, parts of Wales and the West Midlands.Met Office
The Met Office said lightning, hail and strong winds are to be expected and plans should be structured accordingly

The full alert spans across the East Midlands, East of England, London, South East England, South West England, parts of Wales and the West Midlands.

Potential lightning, hail and strong winds may cause additional hazards and delays for people looking to drive or take public transport.

The Met Office said some damage to buildings and structures could be caused by lightning strikes, with short term loss of power "likely".

Clive Gasson, the organiser of this year's Sussex Classic, said cancelling the race was a "huge disappointment" as the event had a "record" number of entries.

Kent Wind Festival, which was due to begin on 7 June at Betteshanger Park in Deal has also had its first day of activities cancelled to "ensure everyone's safety".

Betteshanger Park said kite flying and making activities are expected to resume as scheduled on Sunday, 8 June.

Conditions are expected to fade from the west during the mid to late afternoon, according to the Met Office.

Follow BBC Sussex on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected] or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.

Related internet links