The Met Office issued a yellow weather warning for Surrey and much of the South East on Monday (August 12) as potentially severe thunderstorms were forecast across the county.

The state meteorological organisation said that there was a risk of flooding across Surrey on Monday.

There was also heightened chance of disruptions to roads and public transport from adverse weather conditions across the South East, the body said.

In a statement published on the Met Office website Monday morning, a spokesperson said:

"There is a small chance that homes and businesses could be flooded quickly, with damage to some buildings from floodwater, lightning strikes or hail.

"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."

Surrey Comet: Still from Met Office weather forecast (August 12) animation via metoffice.gov.ukStill from Met Office weather forecast (August 12) animation via metoffice.gov.uk

Thunderstorms generated by the summer heat were the main cause for concern regarding the severe weather, prompting the Met Office to offer specific advise about staying safe amid a lightning storm on their website.

The advice included a range of safety points for residents such as avoiding using potential conductors such as telephone lines and metal appliances like taps during a thunderstorm.

The Met Office advice also sought to dispel some myths surrounding lightning strikes:

"There are many myths surrounding lightning — such as lightning never strikes the same place twice or it always strikes the tallest object.

"Both are false, as lightning strikes the best conductor on the ground — whether it has been struck before or not," a spokesperson pointed out.