Yellow warning of thunderstorms for tonight

Photo: Tony Munro

Lightning above Queen's Park

A yellow warning of thunderstorms has been issued by the Met Office for North West England from 4pm today (Monday 10 August).

Some severe thunderstorms are likely to develop across parts of the Midlands, Wales and then northern England from late Monday afternoon and through the evening.

These may contain large and damaging hail, torrential rain, frequent lightning and possibly very strong and gusty winds.

Whilst many areas will see some heavy rain, hail and thunder at times where the worst of the storms occur some exceptional rainfall totals are possible. 60 mm of rain is possible in an hour with a very small chance of 150 mm in 3 or 4 hours.

Further storms are forecast for Wednesday and Thursday but with significant uncertainty in location and timing.

What to expect

• There is a small chance that fast flowing or deep floodwater could suddenly occur, bringing a danger to life and rapid flooding of homes and businesses
• There is a slight chance power and other essential services, such as gas, water or mobile phone service will be lost
• There is a slight chance of damage to buildings/structures from lightning strikes, large hail, or strong winds
• There is small chance that spray, sudden flooding, standing water and/or hail will result in rapidly changing, dangerous driving conditions
• If flooding occurs road closures with long delays and cancellations to bus and rail services are possible

Stay safe in thunder and lightning

• www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/warnings-and-advice/seasonal-advice/health-wellbeing/stay-safe-in-thunder-and-lightning