The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for thunderstorms, which is expected to hit areas in North Essex.

This warning covers large swathes of the UK, with almost the entirety of the South-West of England and Wales set to be affected.

Areas in Essex which could be expected to be hit include Braintree, Saffron Walden, Halstead, Great Dunmow, Sawbridgeworth and Harlow.

The warning will come into effect tomorrow morning at 4am and will run until midday on Wednesday.

According to the Met Office the public could expect a small chance of homes or businesses flooding, lightning strikes and strong winds.

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

Where flooding or lightning strikes occur, there is a chance of delays and some cancellations to train and bus services.

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

There is a small chance of damage to trees by strong and gusty winds.

A Met Office spokesman said: “An area of heavy rain and thunderstorms will move quickly eastwards across Wales and southwestern England into parts of central, southern and eastern England during Wednesday morning.

“Many areas will see a spell of rain whilst some places will be affected by thunderstorms bringing a brief period of heavy rain, lightning, and strong, gusty winds with hail also affecting some spots.

“Gusts will tend to peak at 40-50 mph, but whilst very unlikely in any one place, much stronger winds are possible here and there, then potentially damaging some structures.”