Yellow weather warning for thunderstorms issued across Norfolk for Friday evening

A yellow weather warning for thunderstorms has been issued across the county, with the Met Office saying it could cause flooding and disruption.

The alert, which is in place from 8pm this evening until 5am tomorrow, warns of a small chance that homes and businesses could be flooded quickly, with damage to some buildings from floodwater, lightning strikes or hail.

The warning is in place for all of Norfolk and East Anglia, as well as south-eastern parts of the country.

A Met Office spokesperson said: “Whilst many places will see relatively small amounts of rain, some heavy, possibly torrential thunderstorms are likely to develop during Friday evening across parts of southeast England.

“Overnight, they are expected to move north before easing during the early hours of Saturday morning.

“Whilst rainfall amounts are expected to vary significantly, there is the potential for a few places to see up to 20-40 mm in one hour and 40-60 mm in 2-3 hours.

“In addition to heavy rain, hail up to 2cm in diameter and frequent lightning are additional hazards accompanying more active thunderstorms; these slightly more likely across the east of the area including East Anglia, Kent and East Sussex.”

The forecast also warns of the chance of delays to public transport services, difficult driving conditions, road closures and power cuts.