UPDATE - The Met Office have extended their yellow thunderstorm warning until 7am on Friday in easterly parts of Essex.
This includes Castle Point, Southend, Chelmsford, Maldon, Braintree, Colchester and Tendring.
A yellow weather warning for Essex has been extended this morning.
The thunderstorm warning, issued by the Met Office, was first issued on Wednesday evening and initially covered only south Essex and Kent between 2am and 8am on Thursday.
However, the warning now applies to the entire county and remains in place until 10pm tonight.
Thunderstorms and heavy rain are expected to cause travel disruption, flooding, and possible power cuts throughout the day.
A spokesperson for the Met Office said: "A broad band of thunderstorms and heavy rain will move north across England and Wales on Thursday, perhaps becoming slow moving in the afternoon and evening.
"Accumulations of 20-30 mm in an hour is possible locally, while 30 to 40 mm can be expected fairly widely and up to 50 mm in a 12 hour period in places.
"There is a small chance that some places may see more than 50 mm in three hours and more than 75 mm through 12 hours, especially over east facing high ground.
"Lightning and hail of 1-2 cm will also be hazards."
Read more
In response to the updated forecast, the Met Office has advised the public to prepare for potential flash flooding, delays to public transport, and power outages.
Residents are encouraged to prepare a flood plan and emergency kit, including torches, batteries, and a mobile phone power pack.
Drivers are advised to check road conditions before setting out, while those using public transport should review timetables and adjust travel plans if needed.
The Met Office also warns that weather alerts may change quickly and recommends staying up to date with the latest forecasts.
People are advised not to shelter under trees during thunderstorms and to seek safe, enclosed shelter such as a car if caught outside.
Those in high or exposed areas should move to lower ground if thunder is heard.
Share