Heavy rain lashed the South West across last night amid warnings that thunderstorms could batter the region today (May 15). Some areas of the West Country saw more than 20mm of rain fall in the matter of a few hours last night, according to a map on the website Starlings Roost Weather.
The map, which was uploaded to Twitter by former Environment Agency manager Dave Throup, shows that Gloucestershire was one of the worst affected regions, with 20mm of rainfall recorded in one area. And in Bristol, downpours reached levels of 15mm, while Somerset also reportedly saw its rainfall figures rise above 20mm.
Meanwhile, further south, Dorset recorded rainfall peaks of 25mm. Mr Throup wrote on Twitter: "Map shows locations where 5mm or more was recorded. Dorset & Somerset saw the liveliest weather with 20mm or more in places, most within 2-3 hours."
Read more: Met Office issue yellow weather warning for thunderstorms tonight
It comes as the Met Office warns of thunderstorms which could engulf the Westcountry tonight, with a yellow weather warning in place from 8pm today until 5am tomorrow. The warning says: "There is a chance that thunderstorms may cause some flooding and disruption on Sunday night.
According to the forecasters, there is "a small chance that homes and businesses could be flooded quickly, with damage to some buildings from floodwater, lightning strikes or hail". There is a chance of delays and some cancellations to train and bus services, while spray and sudden flooding could lead to difficult driving conditions and some road closures.
There is also a slight chance that power cuts could occur and other services to some homes and businesses could be lost.
