WEATHER experts have warned that floods could hit the east of England tonight as torrential downpours and thunderstorms batter the region.

TOWNS and villages in Suffolk and Essex are bracing themselves for localised flooding after parts of the east were forecast a month's average rainfall for June overnight.

The Environment Agency said it was concerned that heavy rain throughout Monday night could cause flooding in eastern counties.

Weatherquest forecaster Emma Coombs said Chelmsford, Felixstowe, Ipswich, and Bury St Edmunds could expect the worst of the weather.

She said: “It looks like there will be some fairly heavy prolonged thunder burst coming through.

“Unfortunately parts of Essex and Suffolk are in the firing line and then it will progress northwards. It does look likely that lots of places will see a good half inch of rain - about 15mm - and I think it is likely that some places may see 30mm, possibly more in other areas.

“I would imagine that by Tuesday morning there will be lots of standing water around and large puddles and there could be some localised flooding.”

Other forecasts predicted that there could be up to 50mm of rain in some areas.

The Environment Agency had not issued any flood warnings on Monday night but urged people in the east to keep a close eye on water levels.

The agency said it was closely monitoring the situation round the clock and will issue flood warnings for river catchments as necessary.

Harvey Bradshaw, Environment Agency Regional Director, said: “The heavy downpours forecast could cause surface water flooding and flooding from rivers. Now is the time for people to check they are prepared in case of flooding and to keep a close eye on their local situation.”

The heavy rain should have cleared early on Tuesday with cloud and light rain expected in the afternoon before clearer possibly sunnier weather later in the day.

Visit www.environment-agency.gov.uk for updated flood warnings every 15 minutes.