HAMPSHIRE could be battered by thunderstorms and torrential rain, says the Met Office.

A weather warning for rain has been issued and is in place from 6am on Thursday until 6am on Friday, covering the entire county.

A Met Office statement says: "Isolated thunderstorms are likely to develop across parts of England and Wales from Thursday morning, before clearing east early on Friday.

"While these storms may miss many places, where they do develop intense downpours are likely, bringing a low risk of sudden flooding of roads, transport routes, homes and businesses.

"Lightning and hail may be additional hazards."