THUNDERSTORMS could cause disruption today with potential for as much as 40mm of rainfall in just a few hours, the Met Office has warned.

A yellow weather warning has been issued for Bournemouth, Poole and the rest of the county.

It is valid from 1pm until 11pm tonight.

The Met Office has said that fast flowing or deep floodwater could be possible “causing a danger to life.”

It warned flooding of homes or businesses could happen quickly with potential for damage to some buildings from floodwater, lightning strikes, hail or strong winds.

Power cuts could also occur and sudden flooding could lead to difficult driving conditions.

There is also a risk of delays or cancellations to train and bus services.

The chief forecaster said: “Whilst some places will escape them, thunderstorms will break out this afternoon and evening giving torrential downpours in a few places. Some of these storms will also be slow-moving, meaning that downpours may well be quite prolonged. 20 mm rain may fall in an hour and, in some places, 30 to 40 mm rain may fall in two or three hours. Thunderstorms will then slowly ease through the evening.”