Yahoo News Lancashire weather warning issued as 10-hours of storms and floods to batter county today
A 10-hour thunderstorm warning has been issued for most of Lancashire today with the Met Office warning of possible flooding.
The yellow warning comes into force at 2pm on Tuesday (July 9) and lasts until 11.59pm. It covers the majority of the county, including Preston, Chorley, West Lancs, Blackburn, Hyndburn, Rossendale, Ribble Valley, Pendle and Burnley.
Burnley, Lytham St Annes, Fleetwood, Lancaster and Morecambe are not included as yet. Other parts of the North West are set to be hit by storms and heavy rain, including Greater Manchester, Merseyside and Cheshire.
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The Met Office says that "thundery downpours may lead to some flooding in a few places". The full alert states: "Heavy showers and thunderstorms are likely to break out this afternoon and move northwards, slowly dying out during the evening and first part of the night.
"Many places will miss these, but where they do occur, there is the chance of some localised impacts from heavy rain, as well as damage from lightning strikes. 10-20 mm of rain is possible in an hour or so, with some places potentially seeing 30 mm in a few hours."
Forecasters say there is a "good chance driving conditions will be affected by spray, standing water, leading to longer journey times by car and bus". They also said some flooding of a few homes and businesses is "possible" leading to "some damage to buildings or structures".
The latest forecast shows heavy rain will hit the county at around 4pm with hail expected between 5pm and 10pm.
Latest 5-day Met Office forecast for the region
Tuesday
An unsettled day with low pressure dominating, bringing spells of rain, turning heavy and persistent at times. Feeling cool under the rain and rather breezy, particularly amongst heavy downpours. Maximum temperature 20C.
Tonight:
Rain turning patchier this evening as it clears northwards. Staying cloudy with some showers towards dawn. Easing winds and a mild night on offer. Minimum temperature 13C.
Wednesday:
A cloudy day with outbreaks of patchy rain at times. Turning breezy once again, especially around coasts and hills. Temperatures struggling under the cloudy skies. Maximum temperature 19C.
Outlook for Thursday to Saturday:
A risk of showers on Thursday and Friday. Otherwise a largely dry end to the week with lighter winds. Daytime temperatures improving through the week.
