RUNCORN and Widnes are set to be hit with thunder and lightning storms later this week, forecasters are predicting.

The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for the town which will be in place for 36 hours from 6pm on Wednesday to 6am on Friday.

The intense storms are expected to bring torrential rain, hail, frequent lightning and strong gusty winds.

Forecasters say there is a small chance that homes and businesses could be flooded quickly, with damage to some buildings from floodwater, lightning strikes, hail and strong winds possible.

Where flooding or lightning strikes occur, there is a chance of delays and cancellations to train and bus services, while spray and sudden flooding could cause difficult driving conditions and road closures.

There is also a slight chance that power cuts could occur, and other services to homes and businesses could be lost.

Runcorn and Widnes World:

A Met Office spokesman said: “Although there remains significant uncertainty in location and timing, areas of thunderstorms are expected to move northeast across parts of England and Wales from late Wednesday through to Friday morning.

“While not all locations will be affected, some intense thunderstorms may occur during this period with torrential rain, hail, frequent lightning and strong gusty winds possible.

“Rainfall totals of around 30mm could fall in an hour, with some locations potentially receiving around 50mm in two to three hours, although these will be fairly isolated.”

The Met Office has also issued its pollen forecast for the north west this working week.

Pollen is expected to be high every day up to Friday, and very high on Tuesday and Friday.