October's set to get off to a wet start as the Met Office issues a severe weather warning for heavy rain.

Kent is set to get a soaking tomorrow with spells of persistent showers developing throughout the morning.

Forecasters say rain will often be heavy, with a risk of hail, lightning and gusty winds - causing potentially difficult driving conditions and flooding.

A spokesman said: "An area of low pressure will drift slowly eastwards through Saturday, bringing heavy showers and more organised bands of showery rain.

"Cold air passing over the sea, which is still relatively warm in early October, will release large amounts of energy leading to a risk of thunder and hail, especially over English Channel coasts.

"30 mm rainfall is possible in 2-3 hours in places, with some locations perhaps seeing 40 mm in less than 6 hours.

"This brings a risk of surface water flooding, whilst hail, lightning and gusty winds may present additional hazards."

The warning is in place from 4am until 8pm tomorrow.

Showers will become less heavy towards evening before clearing after dusk.

Sunday is expected to be dry and bright, with sunny spells and highs of 16c.