RESIDENTS are being told to expect thunder and lightning storms over the weekend – with forecasters stating there could be ‘danger to life’.
The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for heavy showers and thunderstorms, which are expected over the north west on Saturday.
The warning will come into force from 9am on Saturday, and it will remain in place through to midnight that night.
Meteorologists say that flooding of homes and businesses could happen quickly, with damage to some buildings from floodwater, lightning strikes, hail or strong winds possible.
Fast flowing or deep floodwater is possible, causing a danger to life, and where flooding or lightning strikes occur, there is a chance of delays and some cancellations to train and bus services.
Spray and sudden flooding could lead to difficult driving conditions and some road closures, while some communities might become cut off if roads flood.
Power cuts may also occur and other services to some homes and businesses could be lost.
A Met Office spokesman said: “Heavy showers and thunderstorms are expected on Saturday during the morning, mainly over parts of England before becoming mainly focused over northern England and Scotland by late afternoon and evening.
“Some intense downpours are likely, and while rainfall accumulations will vary from place to place, as much as 50mm of rain could fall in a short space of time in some locations.
“Hail, lightning and gusty winds will be additional hazards.”
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