Events cancelled as Met Office issue yellow weather warning for nine hours of heavy rain and thunderstorms

Heavy rain and thunder is due to batter the district for most of tomorrow (Saturday).

The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for thunderstorms from 9am until 6pm.

The warning has led to events planned for the weekend being cancelled.

One to fall victim is Speen Fete.

The much-loved annual Newbury Lions Club event has been cancelled due to the weather.

The organisers said: “After taking advice, it is with a heavy heart we are cancelling tomorrow's fete.

“The threat of torrential thundery rain with strong gusts of wind makes it a high safety risk for those involved with running the event and stalls and also the safety of the public attending.

“We hope you understand our decision was not taken lightly.

“Thank you for your understanding and support - as you can imagine as a small club a lot of work has gone into this and we are heartbroken at having to make this choice.”

The Lions Club added that it was looking to reschedule the event and will keep everyone informed of the new plans.

The Met Office warning said that “frequent heavy showers and thunderstorms are expected for much of Saturday before fading from the west during the mid to late afternoon”.

It added that there was likely to be “some disruption to transport and infrastructure” with driving conditions affected by spray and standing water on the roads.

It also warned of delays to train services, “probably some damage to a few buildings and structures from lightning strikes” and short term loss of power.

Around 10-15 mm of rain is expected to fall in under an hour, with some places seeing 30-40 mm of rain across the day.

“Frequent lightning, hail and strong, gusty winds will be additional hazards,” the Met Office warned.