A rare amber weather warning has been declared as thunderstorms threaten "danger to life" within hours. The Met Office cautions that millions across the southeast will face "areas of heavy rain" this weekend with "embedded thunderstorms" expected to move north - up along the Yorkshire coast - as the day progresses.

The forecast predicts up to four inches of rain could fall, significantly increasing the risk of flash floods and causing "significant impacts", particularly in urban areas. Alongside the southeast amber alert, the midlands and Yorkshire and the humber are under yellow weather alerts.

The amber alert details: "Areas of heavy rain with embedded thunderstorms will move northwards during the early hours of Saturday, with torrential downpours in places."

It further warns of potential accumulations of 20 to 40mm (0.7 to 1.5 inches) within an hour, and in persistent conditions, totals could reach 70 to 100mm (2.7 to four inches) over a few hours. "Accumulations of 20 to 40mm (0.7 to 1.5 inches) are possible in one hour, and where heavy downpours persist then as much as 70 to 100mm (2.7 to four inches) could accumulate in just a few hours. Significant impacts are possible if this occurs over more urban areas."

As Saturday morning approaches, the widespread heavy rain is expected to clear northward, but the possibility of scattered heavy showers and thunderstorms remains into Saturday afternoon and early evening, which is covered by the broader Yellow thunderstorm warning.

Chief Meteorologist at the Met Office, Andy Page, highlighted concerns that "intense rainfall" may lead to "frequent lighting and hail" as well as potential damage to buildings.

The Met Office has not issued such a severe warning for rain since the start of the year, when Storm Henk prompted the agency to release an alert for extreme winds across central England and Wales.

The alert is scheduled to commence early Saturday morning, from 4am, and will persist for seven hours until 11am. Meanwhile, yellow weather warnings are in place for most of England due to expected heavy rainfall from 12am to 9pm.

Mr Page did offer some reassurance, noting that the weekend's weather won't be entirely bleak, with occasional sunshine piercing through the relentless barrage of storms.

He described the weather as "evolving" and suggested that some "more pleasant" conditions would grace "parts of the UK". The forecaster indicated: "The situation is evolving, and warnings may be changed or added.

"With the expectation of busier roads this weekend as more schools in England and Wales commence their summer holidays, it's crucial for travellers to stay abreast of the very latest forecasts. There will be periods of more agreeable weather in parts of the UK throughout the weekend, with some sunny intervals between systems as they pass by."

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