THE Met Office has issued a 17-hour thunderstorm warning for the rest of today, Tuesday, and a second warning for tomorrow, Wednesday for the north west.

Forecasters say slow-moving heavy showers and thunderstorms will break out across many parts of the UK this afternoon.

A spokesman added: "Some places will miss them, but where they do occur they will bring torrential downpours with 25 to 35 mm rain falling in an hour and perhaps 40 to 50 mm in 2 to 3 hours in one or two places.

"Lightning and hail will be additional hazards.

"These showers and thunderstorms will only slowly die out through the evening, but may persist across northwest England, southwest Scotland and perhaps eastern Northern Ireland into the early hours of Wednesday morning."

A second warning is also in place for tomorrow, Wednesday, from 12pm to 9pm.

The yellow Met Office warning adds 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.

A spokesman added: "Spray and sudden flooding could lead to difficult driving conditions and some road closures

"There is a small chance that some communities become cut off by flooded roads

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

The latest warnings following an electric storm on Saturday night that saw photographers capture amazing images of lightning bolts.

There were further storms on Monday afternoon.