A thunderstorm warning has been issued for the border crossing today

A THUNDERSTORM could bring “lightning and hail” to Dorset today, the Met Office has warned.

The yellow alert, which includes Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, will be in place between 10am and 10pm on Friday 22 July.

The Met Office says slowly developing heavy showers and thunderstorms are possible in a few places.

A Met Office spokesman said: “Although some areas will remain dry, slow moving, strong thunderstorms are likely to develop from mid to late morning, most likely peaking in the afternoon and early evening before tapering off by – late.

“Where there are thunderstorms, 20-25mm of rain is possible in less than an hour and 40-50mm can fall in 2-3 hours. Hail and frequent lightning are potential additional hazards.”

In terms of what to expect, the Met Office says:

• Spraying and flash flooding may lead to difficult driving conditions and some road closures.
• In case of flooding or lightning strikes, delays and some canceled trains and buses are likely.
• There is a small chance that power outages will occur and other services for some homes and businesses will be lost.

The Met Office forecast for tomorrow is currently calling for heavy rain between 9am and 11am.