The Met Office weather warning for gales and thunderstorms has been extended.
The warning had been valid from 6pm on Wednesday and running until 6am on Friday, but now runs up until 9am on Saturday. It reads:
Although there remains significant uncertainty in location and timing, areas of thunderstorms are expected to move northeast across parts of England and Wales from late Wednesday through to Friday morning.
Whilst not all locations will be affected, some intense thunderstorms may occur during this period with torrential rain, hail, frequent lightning and strong gusty winds possible.
Rainfall totals of around 30 mm could fall in an hour, with some locations potentially receiving around 50 mm in 2-3 hours, although these will be fairly isolated.
Another spell of thundery rain is expected to push north across England and east Wales through Friday morning, persisting for much of the day, before clearing early on Saturday.
There is some uncertainty in storm coverage, particularly western extent, but where they do develop torrential rain, intense thunderstorms, hail and frequent lightning are all possible.
Rainfall totals of 20-40 mm, perhaps 60 mm in a few areas, are possible in 12 hours. With the most intense storms, 30-40 mm could fall in an hour or two. The storms should clear into the North Sea during Saturday morning.
Local view
Isle of Wight Met Service say rainfall rates could be extremely high, however at the moment lightning rates look rather low due to a very saturated atmosphere.
That could all change though and the Island may even be lucky enough to miss it all.
See the Met Office warning for updates.
