HEAVY rains are expected to hit Swindon today and Friday.

Met Office forecasters have issued a yellow weather warning for rain. They say heavy rains could result in flooding and power cuts.

Thunderstorms are also expected, but it won’t be clear where the places worst affected will be until close to the time the storms break.

Warm air will move up from the continent on Thursday morning, bringing a slow-moving band of thunderstorms across southern England.

Chief Meteorologist Andy Page said: “The worst impacts are likely during the afternoon and evening on Thursday with the potential for 30-40 mm of rain to fall in an hour, and a chance of some isolated places seeing as much as 60-80 mm over two to three hours. Some will see frequent lightning and large hail as well. This could result in flash flooding, transport delays and dangerous driving conditions, especially on the M4 and M5.

“We’d advise anyone with outdoor plans over the next few days to keep updated with the forecast and warnings and consider their plans if the risk of thunderstorms or heavy rain may affect them.”

A flood alert remains in place for the River Kennett and its tributaries, including streams south of Chiseldon and Uffcott.

Mike Ord, head of national traffic operations at Highways England, urged motorists to take the roads carefully: “It generally takes at least twice as long to stop on a wet road as on a dry road.

“We recommend slowing down if the rain and spray from vehicles is making it difficult to see and be seen, keeping well back from the driver in front and, if you feel the steering becoming unresponsive, slow down gradually as it probably means that water is preventing the tyres from gripping the road.”

RAC spokesman Pete Williams added: Avoid sharp acceleration and braking which could result in you losing control and getting in to a skid.”