Isolated storms with lightning, hail and gusty winds could hit large swathes of the country including Oxford and the rest of the county.

The Met Office said many areas will stay hot and sunny but there is potential for as much as 30mm of rainfall in the space of an hour in some parts.

The warning is in place between 3pm and 10pm today (Tuesday, May 26).

READ MORE: Oxfordshire breaks temperature records twice after 82 years

The Met Office’s spokesman said: “If you find yourself outside and hear thunder, protect yourself by finding a safe enclosed shelter (such as a car).

“Do not shelter under or near trees, or other structures which may be struck by lightning. If you are on an elevated area move to lower ground.

“Consider if your location is at risk of flash flooding. If so, consider preparing a flood plan and an emergency flood kit.

“Prepare to protect your property and people from injury. Before gusty winds arrive, check to ensure moveable objects or temporary structures are well secured. Items include; bins, garden furniture, trampolines, tents, gazebos, sheds, and fences.

Meanwhile, the UK Health Security Agency said amber alerts for the south east will remain in place until 5pm on Thursday, May 28.

The alert had previously been in place until 5pm on Wednesday, May 27.

Police and the ambulance and fire services were all called to Corn Street on Tuesday morning, May 26.

Witnesses suggested there was a “hostage” situation in a flat, with police tape cordoning off part of the pavement and road.

Meanwhile, a police car was stationed at the ends of the road to block off access during the incident.

LIVE UPDATES: Street cordoned off amid major emergency services presence

The incident lasted for several hours, with officers on scene unable to specify how long the road would be closed.

Thames Valley Police’s spokeswoman said there was “no threat” to the wider public before adding: “This was a fear for welfare incident with no threat to the public that has now been safely resolved with one arrest made.

“Temporary cordons and road closures will be lifted shortly. We would like to thank the public for their patience and support.”

We have asked the force for details on the arrest.

Family-run Corn Street cafe Café Marada 39 said staff had to close the shop due to the incident.

It will remain closed for the rest of the day, with a spokesman saying: “Emergency services have temporarily restricted access to our buildings making it impossible for us to open.”

The shop is expected to reopen on Wednesday as usual.

The new forest, which will be in either the Midlands or north England, is expected to be between 200 and 600 square miles.

It will focus on supporting healthy communities, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said.

It will be one of three new national forests in England which Labour pledged to establish in its manifesto.

READ MORE: Film producer selling £6.5m mansion in favour of £15m Cotswolds pad

On Monday, the department announced the Government had committed up to £7.5 million over a five-year period to support the forest and called for delivery partners to submit bids to help deliver the new project.

The funding forms part of the Government’s commitment to invest more than £1 billion this parliament in tree planting and to support the forestry sector.

The first of the new forests was announced in March last year, stretching from the Cotswolds to the Mendips in the west of England.

Planting has already begun here, with the project expected to see more than 20 million trees planted across Bristol, Wiltshire, Gloucestershire and Somerset by 2050, the department said.

READ MORE: Tributes as police find dead body in public toilets on bank holiday

Another new forest has been planned for the Oxford-Cambridge (OxCam) corridor.

Nature minister Mary Creagh said: “In our manifesto we promised three new national forests, and after the Western Forest and the OxCam arc forest we’re looking for England’s newest forest in the Midlands or North.

“Too many communities can’t access the green spaces that benefit mental and physical health.

“This new national forest will help change that, and I encourage every eligible organisation with the vision and expertise to come forward.”

Officials said the forests would boost communities and drive economic growth, while enhancing nature and bringing trees and woodlands closer to where people live.