The Met Office has extended a yellow weather warning for thunderstorms to midnight on Thursday, August 27, as heavy rain continues to batter parts of Greater Manchester.
The warning was initially issued from 3am to 10pm on Wednesday, August 26, covering much of England, including London and the South East, the Midlands, East Anglia, and parts of the North West and South West, as well as eastern parts of Wales. It also covers parts of Greater Manchester, including Stockport, Oldham and Tameside.
Impacts of the extended warning
Forecasters have advised those in affected areas to expect delays and cancellations to train and bus services where flooding occurs, spray and sudden flooding that could lead to difficult driving conditions and some road closures, and potential power cuts.
Providing further detail on its website, the Met Office said: "A broad band of thunderstorms and heavy rain will move north across England and Wales on Thursday, perhaps becoming slow moving at times. Accumulations of 20-30 mm in an hour is possible locally, while 30 to 40 mm can be expected fairly widely and up to 50 mm in a 12 hour period in places."
"There is a small chance that some places may see more than 50 mm in three hours and more than 75 mm through 12 hours. Lightning and large hail will also be hazards."
Advice for those in affected areas
Forecasters have provided advice for those worried about the weather conditions. On their website they penned: "Consider if your location is at risk of flash flooding. If so, consider preparing a flood plan and an emergency flood kit."
"Give yourself the best chance of avoiding delays by checking road conditions if driving, or bus and train timetables, amending your travel plans if necessary."
The weather service said there is a "small chance of fast-flowing or deep floodwater causing danger to life". It added there was also a small chance that homes and businesses could be flooded quickly, with damage to some buildings from floodwater, lightning strikes, hail or strong winds.
Forecasters' uncertainty
Met Office Chief Forecaster Steve Willington said: "On Thursday, slow-moving heavy and thundery rain may bring prolonged rainfall to some areas, increasing the risk of localised impacts."
"There remains some uncertainty around where the heaviest rain will fall, so it is important to keep up to date with the latest forecast and warnings."
