A SEVERE weather warning has been issued with "very heavy rain" expected in Surrey and Hampshire on Tuesday, the Met Office has warned.

The threat of widespread downpours and flooding has prompted forecasters to issue a ’yellow’ warning, valid between 4am and 11pm on Tuesday, September 24.

Homes and businesses could be flooded, and fast flowing or deep floodwater is possible, causing a "danger to life" and some communities may be cut off by flooded roads.

Delays or cancellations to train and bus services are possible, and spray and flooding could lead to difficult driving conditions and some road closures.

Possible power cuts and loss of other services to some homes and businesses are also possible, warns the Met Office.

A spokesman for the Met Office added: "Spells of very heavy rain are expected to move northeastwards across much of England and Wales during Tuesday.

"Whilst many areas will see some heavy rain with 15mm to 30mm widely, some places may see up to 70mm, much of this in a relatively short space of time, typically less than six hours.

"Thunder and lightning is also possible along with strong gusty winds."