RESIDENTS should prepare for heavy showers, thunder and lightning later this week, forecasters are warning.

The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for thunderstorms for the entirety of the north of England.

It will come into force at 10am on Friday morning and will remain through to 9am on Saturday morning.

According to meteorologists, slow moving thundery downpours may cause localised surface water impacts, including a small chance of homes and businesses being flooded.

Spray and sudden flooding could also lead to difficult driving conditions and some road closures, with there being a chance of delays and some cancellations to train and bus services.

Warrington Guardian:

A Met Office spokesman said: “Heavy showers are expected across much of the UK on Friday.

“Within the warning area these showers and thunderstorms will be slow moving and may cause localised surface water impacts.

“Rainfall totals will vary considerably and not all locations will be affected by the heaviest showers.

“However, where the showers do occur there is potential for 20-30mm of rain in a short space of time, and during the course of the day there is a chance that some places could see as much as 80-100mm build up.”