A yellow thunderstorm warning involving "hail, lightning and gusty winds" has been issued for Hertfordshire this weekend.

The Met Office warning is in place from 9am to 11.59pm on Saturday, with "heavy showers and thunderstorms expected over parts of the UK".

Watford currently has between a 50 and 60 per cent chance of being hit during that period, according to the forecaster.

A statement on its website reads: "Heavy showers and thunderstorms are expected on Saturday, during the morning mainly over parts of England, before becoming mainly focused over northern England and Scotland by late afternoon and evening. 

"Some intense downpours are likely and whilst rainfall accumulations will vary from place to place, as much as 50mm of rain could fall in a short space of time in some locations.

"Hail, lightning and gusty winds will be additional hazards."

The Met Office warned:

  • Flooding of homes and businesses could happen quickly, with damage to some buildings from floodwater, lightning strikes, hail or strong winds
  • Fast flowing or deep floodwater is possible, causing a danger to life
  • Where flooding or lightning strikes occur, there is a chance of delays and some cancellations to train and bus services
  • Spray and sudden flooding could lead to difficult driving conditions and some road closures
  • Some communities might become cut off if roads flood
  • Power cuts might occur and other services to some homes and businesses could be lost