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Thunderstorm warnings as heatwave gives way to downpours

Thunderstorms expected to hit the region on Tuesday could bring a chance of flooding and travel disruption, forecasters have warned.

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Thunderstorms expected to batter the West Midlands

The Met Office has issued yellow weather warnings for thunderstorms across the West Midlands, with the risk of floods, lightning strikes, hail and strong winds.

It comes after a weekend of heavy rain, with residents warned to expect thunderstorms across the region for two days.

Forecasters said: "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.

"There is a small chance of fast flowing or deep floodwater causing danger to life. Where flooding or lightning strikes occur, there is a chance of delays and some cancellations to train and bus services

"Spray and sudden flooding could lead to difficult driving conditions and some road closures.

"There is a slight chance that power cuts could occur and other services to some homes and businesses could be lost."

Latest weather forecast

The weather warnings for thunderstorms will be in place from 3am on Tuesday until 11.59pm on Wednesday.

Wolverhampton will see thundery showers and a moderate breeze throughout Tuesday, with highs of 19C (66.2F) and lows of 15C (59F).

Light rain showers will continue on Wednesday, with highs of 20C (68F) and lows of 13C (55.4F).

WATCH: Met Office forecast

Shropshire will face similar weather, with highs of 19C(66.2F) and lows of 14C (57.2) on Tuesday, followed by highs of 19C (66.2F) on Wednesday and lows of 13C (55.4F) in Shrewsbury.

Forecasters said while heavy rain will clear on Monday, a second band of low pressure will hit parts of the UK on Tuesday.

Met Office meteorologist Mark Wilson said: "An area of low pressure will bring the risk of quite heavy thundery showers into Tuesday. There's definitely a risk of flooding.

"Thunderstorms are a concern - there could be as much as 30mm to 40mm of rain. That's quite a lot of rain flowing in quite a short period of time."

Weather warnings will be in place

The Met Office also warned there could be delays and cancellations to trains and buses as well as difficult driving conditions and road closures due to the storms.

The new warning follows a weekend of heavy downpours with half a month's worth of rain falling across parts of the UK leading to travel disruption and floods.

The wet weather comes after a week in which Britain was hit by hot temperatures and thunderstorms, with the heatwave causing problems for train and air passengers.

More than 20 flood warnings - meaning immediate action is required - were in place across the Midlands and North West on Monday morning, the Environment Agency said.