THUNDERSTORMS could dampen platinum jubilee festivities, with the Met Office issuing a weather warning for Essex.

Forecasters are predicting heavy rain and lightning in some places and a yellow warning has been put in place from midnight until 6pm on Sunday.

The Met Office says there is a small chance homes and businesses could be flooded quickly, with damage to some buildings from floodwater, lightning strikes, hail or strong winds.

It has also warned of a small chance of delays and some cancellations to train and bus services due to lightning strikes and flooding, as well as possible power cuts, difficult driving conditions, and road closures.

The warning has been issued for the morning after storms were initially predicted for, on Saturday evening.

What to expect

Fast flowing or deep floodwater is possible, causing a danger to life and some communities might become cut off if roads flood

Flooding of homes and businesses could happen quickly, with damage to some buildings from floodwater, lightning strikes, hail or strong winds

Where flooding or lightning strikes occur, there is a chance of delays and some cancellations to train and bus services

Spray and sudden flooding could lead to difficult driving conditions and some road closures

Power cuts might occur and other services to some homes and businesses could be lost

Organisers of the BBC’s Platinum Party at the Palace feared the weather could rain on their parade, with 22,000 people expected to attend the star-studded event which will see performances from the likes of Sir Rod Stewart, Craig David and Sam Ryder.