A weather warning has been issued in south Essex as forecasters warn heavy rain could cause flooding across the region.

The Met Office’s yellow weather warning is in place between 4pm today and 3am tomorrow morning.

It says public transport will likely be affected by the downpours, while their could also be some interruption to power supplies.

Experts say the flooding of a few homes and businesses is also likely.

The warning adds: “An area of heavy rain reaching southwest England late Wednesday afternoon spreads eastwards across southern England, reaching the far southeast of England by mid-evening.

“Rain will last for around six hours in any location, finally clearing southeast England during the early hours of Thursday.

“Rain may be accompanied by coastal gales and, in a few places, thunder. 15 to 25 mm of rain is widely expected with 30 to 50 mm possible in a few places.”

The warning covers Southend, Thurrock and other areas in Essex such as Basildon, Canvey, Rochford and Maldon.

According to the Met Office’s latest forecast, the heavy rain will likely hit from 9pm tonight and continue until 2am where it becomes light rain.

The rain will stop from 4am onwards and a dry and sunny day is forecast on Thursday.