The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for five regions, including Merseyside, with heavy rain and thunderstorms forecast tonight. The warning is active for 15 hours, from 7pm on Wednesday, August 18, until 10am on Thursday, August 19.
Travel disruption and flash flooding possible
The Met Office said: "Heavy showers and thunderstorms likely to lead to some travel disruption and flash flooding." The alert covers the North West, North East, East Midlands, Wales, and Yorkshire and Humber.
The warning states: "Heavy showers will develop this evening, becoming more frequent and widespread overnight. These are likely to bring 15 to 20 mm in an hour in some areas with as much as 30 to 50 mm falling in a period of six hours in some places."
Flooding and power loss risks
The forecaster warned of potential flooding: "These accumulations may lead to a few places seeing some flooding. Alongside the rain, some showers are likely to be thundery, bringing the additional hazards of lightning and hail. The showers will ease from the northwest Thursday morning."
Advice issued includes: "Consider if your location is at risk of flash flooding. If so, consider preparing a flood plan and an emergency flood kit." It also recommends checking road conditions or public transport timetables, amending travel plans if necessary.
The Met Office noted that driving conditions may be affected by spray, standing water and/or hail, leading to longer journey times. There is also a chance of flooding in some homes and businesses, potential damage to buildings or structures, delays to train services, and short-term loss of power.
Affected areas
In the North West, the warning covers Blackburn with Darwen, Blackpool, Cheshire East, Cheshire West and Chester, Cumbria, Greater Manchester, Halton, Lancashire, Merseyside, and Warrington. Other affected areas include parts of East Midlands, North East England, Wales, and Yorkshire and Humber.
