RESIDENTS in Cheshire are being told to expect torrential rain showers and thunder and lightning, with a weather warning issued.

The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for thunderstorms, which covers most of the county and the south of the country.

It will come into force at 10am tomorrow, Thursday, and will remain in place through to midnight that same day.

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

There is also a small chance of fast-flowing or deep floodwater causing danger to life, and where flooding or lightning strikes occur, there is a chance of transport delays and cancellations.

Spray and sudden flooding could lead to difficult driving conditions and some road closures, while there is a slight chance of power and service cuts.

A Met Office spokesman said: “Thunderstorms are likely to break out in some areas, particularly during the afternoon and early evening.

“While most places will probably miss them, where thunderstorms do occur there is a chance that in a few places up to 40mm of rain could fall in an hour or so, and 40 to 60mm could fall in two or three hours.

“These torrential downpours may be accompanied by frequent lightning, while gusty winds and hail may also affect a few places.

“The exact location of the thunderstorms will be hard to pinpoint, so the warning area will be kept under review and updated if necessary.”