Flooding and thunderstorm warnings have been issued as parts of Britain are expected to be hit with more than two inches of rain in just one hour.
A yellow thunderstorm warning was activated at 2am in the East and West Midlands, the north of England and parts of Wales, and will be in place until 5pm on Thursday.
Eight Environment Agency flood alerts were in place in the East and West Midlands on Thursday morning while hail and lightning are also possible hazards.
Heavy showers are expected to move north east across parts of England and Wales and may cause surface water flooding as the thunderstorms become slow moving.
Drivers are urged to check road conditions and change travel plans if necessary while homeowners are asked to secure moveable objects such as bins, fences and garden furniture to avoid possible injury.
