FORECASTERS have put yellow weather warnings in place as thunderstorms batter Britain.
The alert covering much of the south and the midlands is in place until the end of today.
Gloucester, Birmingham, Cambridge, Leicester, St Albans and Chelmsford are all affected.
The warning says thunderstorms are expected through the morning and evening which may lead to travel disruption and some flooding.
There is a chance that some communities will be cut off by flooded roads, according to the Met Office.
The Met also warned of possible power cuts and other services to homes and businesses could be lost.
Damage to buildings from flooding, lightning strikes, hail or strong winds is also likely.
It comes as overnight fire crews were called to a lightning strike which damaged the roof at a residential care home in Alleyne Way, Elmer, at 1.44am.
Today’s forecast reads: “Early thundery rain across southern England and south Wales easing.
“Some bright spells developing, although further thundery showers may develop later.
“Some warm sunshine elsewhere, but chilly around North Sea coasts where there could be some low cloud.”
”