06 June 2025
As the Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for thunderstorms and heavy showers for much of southern England and the West Midlands on Saturday 7 June, The AA is advising drivers to be aware of sudden changes in driving conditions.
The warning is in place between 0900 and 1800 in the following regions: East Midlands; East of England; London and the South East; South West England; Wales and the West Midlands.
10-15mm of rain could fall in less than an hour leading to flooding, spray, standing water and in some areas hail falling.
Some places could see up to 30-40mm of rain falling over several hours from successive showers and thunderstorms. The Met Office is predicting frequent lightning, hail and strong gusty winds.
Fire brigade statistics released in April show a big spike in flooding rescues in June. Covering the period of 2023-2024, flooding and other water incidents jumped at least 25% compared to incidents in the spring. A combination of flash flooding and summer travellers on unfamiliar roads that may become inundated with heavy rain can be a particular danger. A car submerged by just a couple of feet can float away, the AA warns, and drivers need to approach flooded stretches with extreme caution and likely go another way.
“In a thunderstorm water can quickly run off the road, causing flash flooding. It only takes one incident to cause long tailbacks.”
Wet weather
Rule 227
Wet weather. In wet weather, stopping distances will be at least double those required for stopping on dry roads (see ‘Typical stopping distances’). This is because your tyres have less grip on the road. In wet weather
Shaun Jones, AA Patrol of the Year, said: “If you must travel, reduce your speed to account for the conditions and leave plenty of space behind other vehicles. Allow extra time, as it’s likely your journey will take longer than usual, and ensure you have plenty of fuel or electrical charge.
“In a thunderstorm water can quickly run off the road, causing flash flooding. It only takes one incident to cause long tailbacks, so keep tuned to local traffic reports and reduce your speed as appropriate for the conditions. Never risk driving through flood water and if you find yourself aquaplaning, ease off the accelerator to slow down gently.
“Ensure your mobile phone is fully charged and download the AA app and what3words to help us get to you faster if the worse should happen.”
Regions and local authorities affected:
East Midlands - Leicestershire; Nottinghamshire
East of England - Bedford; Cambridgeshire; Central Bedfordshire; Essex; Hertfordshire; Luton; Norfolk; Southend-on-Sea; Suffolk; Thurrock
London & South East England - Bracknell Forest; Brighton and Hove; Buckinghamshire; East Sussex; Greater London; Hampshire; Isle of Wight; Kent; Medway; Milton Keynes; Oxfordshire; Portsmouth; Reading; Slough; Southampton; Surrey; West Berkshire; West Sussex; Windsor and Maidenhead; Wokingham
South West England - Bath and North East Somerset; Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole; Bristol; Cornwall; Devon; Dorset; Gloucestershire; North Somerset; Plymouth; Somerset; South Gloucestershire; Swindon; Torbay; Wiltshire
Wales - Blaenau Gwent; Bridgend; Caerphilly; Cardiff; Carmarthenshire; Merthyr Tydfil; Monmouthshire; Neath Port Talbot; Newport; Powys; Rhondda Cynon Taf; Swansea; Torfaen; Vale of Glamorgan
West Midlands - Herefordshire; Shropshire; Staffordshire; Warwickshire; West Midlands Conurbation; Worcestershire
Live traffic updates are available at https://www.theaa.com/route-planner/traffic-news