UK weather - live: Thunderstorm threat to continue across weekend as drivers warned of flash flooding

Network Rail has pledged to review its resilience to, and management of, extreme weather following the derailment of a train earlier this week that resulted in the death of three people, including the driver.

The company is investigating the cause of the derailment, which remains unknown, but it is believed torrential rainfall and flooding contributed to the tragedy.

Chief executive Andrew Haines said there had been floods and landslips in the area due to the “appalling” weather, and Network Rail will put extra measures in place including “heightened inspections” and “medium-term work with meteorologists to improve information and forecasting”.

“Our climate is changing and it is increasingly challenging the performance and reliability of the railway, but incidents like yesterday’s devastating accident are incredibly rare, and our railway remains the safest major railway in Europe,” he said on Thursday.

“Our network was designed for a temperate climate and it’s challenged when we get extremes such as storms and floods. We are seeing this more and more and although we can address them on the ground with precautionary measures, we are acutely aware we need a long-term resolution, and we had already secured additional funding and resources to help achieve this.”

Most of England and the entirety of Wales is under a yellow thunderstorm warning by the Met Office until Monday.

According to the weather agency, that means heavy showers and thunderstorms are expected at times.

Residents should be aware there is a small chance of homes and businesses being hit by flooding, and there is potential for damage to some buildings due to floodwater, lightning strikes and large hailstones.

The adverse weather could result in delays and cancellations to train and bus services, as well as disruption on the roads due to flash floods.

The Met Office also warns of power cuts to some homes and businesses.