A YELLOW weather warning for rain has been issued for Oxfordshire today.

The Met Office warning, which is in place until 11.45pm, means there is a risk of heavy showers and thunderstorms.

There is also the potential for disruption in some places due to surface water flooding, lightning strikes and hail.

Met Office chief forecaster Eddy Carroll said: “A warm and humid airmass covers southern Britain at present.

“This is unstable and produced a few thunderstorms through Thursday but these are expected to become more widespread overnight into Friday and extend further north into the Midlands and Wales.

“Many places will miss the worst of these, some may stay dry, but where they do occur, 20 to 30 millimetres of rain may fall in a short time, leading to some surface water flooding.

“Lightning and hail may be additional hazards.”

A yellow warning means the public should be aware of the risk of heavy rain and strong winds which have the potential to disrupt transport and make outdoor activities dangerous.

The yellow warning is the lowest level of alert, warning the public to be aware of the potential for bad weather and keep up to date with the forecast.

An amber warning means people should be prepared and take precautions against bad weather and in the case of a red warning significant disruption to everyday life should be expected.

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