Commuters driving home have been hit by flooded roads with people having had to abandon their submerged cars.
Images show drivers across the country tackling roads where the water level is over a foot deep from the sudden downpours.
The Met Office issued a rare amber warning alert for thunderstorms that has been issued from 3.21pm until 7pm and covers the central part of England.
Forecasters said that the storms will bring heavy rainfall, lightning, strong winds, and hail.
London Fire Brigade has said it has been called to several reports of flooding across the city with drainage systems unable to cope with the sudden deluge.
It has also warned people not to drive through floods as it can “float a car”.
It tweeted: “We have been called to several reports of flooding across London this afternoon following thunderstorms, affecting roads and properties Never drive through floodwater - a foot of moving water at just 6mph is enough to float a car. Always try and find an alternative route.”
Further north a victory parade by Manchester City has had to be delayed in the city centre due to the downpour.
And in the south west of England there have been reported images of abandoned cars floating in water.
Forecasters said: "A cluster or line of very active thunderstorms is moving towards the northwest from Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire towards the West Midlands.
"These will bring a period of exceptionally heavy rainfall with 30-40mm falling in around 30 minutes, perhaps around 60mm in an hour for some locations.
"Frequent lightning strikes, winds that may gust to 45 mph, and some large hail stones perhaps up to 4cm in diameter will also accompany the storms.
"Surface water flooding may happen very quickly, likely disrupting travel and flooding some properties (especially in urban areas).
"Lightning, strong winds and hail will all pose a significant danger to those outdoors. The ultimate northwestern extent of this area remains somewhat uncertain."
The warning comes after the Environment Agency issued 14 flood alerts across the Midlands over concerns heavy, thundery showers could cause large amounts of surface water.
With the amber warning, the Met Office also stated: "Flooding of homes and businesses is likely and could happen quickly, with damage to some buildings from floodwater, lightning strikes, hail or strong winds.
"Where flooding or lightning strikes occur, delays and some cancellations to train and bus services are likely. Spray and sudden flooding probably leading to difficult driving conditions and some road closures.
Some communities likely to become temporarily cut off if roads flood. Power cuts likely to occur and other services to some homes and businesses could be lost.
