Cars stranded after storms bring floods

In Guildford, Chris McCullogh tweeted pictures of stranded cars

Heavy rain and flooding has left cars stranded in water after storms hit part of Surrey.

Roads have been blocked by flash floods around Guildford and Burpham and there are reports of a tree down on the A3.

A yellow warning for thunderstorms is in place across England and Wales until midnight on Thursday and the Met Office warned of road closures, train and bus cancellations and power cuts.

In Guildford, Chris McCullogh tweeted pictures of stranded cars and said Woodbridge Road was underwater.

Racing called off

Mr McCullogh said: "I pulled over, took my shoes off, and helped push some cars out of the water. It was thigh-deep in places.

"Then I turned round and headed back to the office. It's stopped raining, so waiting for the water to clear before setting off again - could be a long wait."

Mr McCullogh's footage was taken in Woodbridge Road, opposite Pets At Home and Lidl.

Guildford's Vets4Pets, which is based in the Pets at Home shop, tweeted they would have to close until further notice and people with appointments would be contacted. They also posted that Woodbridge Road was now closed.

Surrey Heath Borough Council tweeted that a shopping centre, The Square, Camberley, was closed because of flooding with updates expected on Friday.

Racing was also abandoned at Epsom Downs with only two races run, but those at the event said the entertainment carried on.

In Sussex, an annual barbecue was taking place for volunteers who help out in the Ashdown Forest, with scores of people attending, when storms brought a torrential downpour.

Organisers posted on Facebook: "This evening we hosted 80+ people for the annual Ashdown Forest Volunteers BBQ! Thankfully everyone was able to enjoy the food before the heavens opened and the thunder and lightning hit!"

Racing was abandoned at Epsom Downs racecourse with only two races run

Safety advice from Surrey County Council is people should avoid walking or driving through flood water.

Information on staying safe states: "Ankle-deep fast-flowing water can knock over adults and knee-deep water can move a car."

Manhole covers can also come off during a flood.

Met Office meteorologist Kathryn Chalk said the storm warning covered "quite a big area" from Wales and the Midlands down to the South East.

She said: "This could lead to disruption and some spray on roads."

Ms Chalk said there could also be torrential downpours, gusty winds, frequent lightning and hail.