I just saw a flash whilst standing outside taking in the gusts, although that wouldn't be associated with the possible thunderstorms that may occur with the soon to come squalls!
No it doesn't mean that for the SE. It's what happens when the main storm gets here and gives us a couple of hours of 40mph gusts, then as it starts to exit, we get 50 to (maybe) 70mph gusts from another direction (NW, NNW), up until 10am (ish).
Indeed, I saw him too. I am expecting 50mph gusts for London and the SE, I am veering away from the 70mph's to be honest though. I think it will be East Anglia that get them, but very briefly.
Don't take it as definite, that is my thoughts and from looking at various sources. I do think you and me will at least get an hour of at least 50mph gusts between dawn and 9am though for sure. Even that will be something for us!
Possibly up to 70mph from 6am - 9am, I am waiting up for it. Don't remember that here for years and years (Crawley). It will be quite adrenaline pumping to see that, once you see it.