Teessiders braced for thunderstorms and flooding as Met Office issue yellow weather warning

Teessiders are braced for thunderstorms on Wednesday, bringing heavy rain, lightning strikes and floods.

The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for thunderstorms saying there will be heavy showers and a chance of some flooding and disruption. The warning is in place from 12pm to 8pm and covers areas including Middlesbrough, Redcar and Cleveland, Stockton, Darlington and Hartlepool.

A Met Office spokesperson said: "Heavy showers and thunderstorms are expected to break out today, mainly during the afternoon. Some places will miss these, but where the do occur, 15 to 25 mm rain may fall in less than an hour with a small chance of one or two spots seeing up to 40 mm in two hours, leading to a chance of localised flooding. Lightning strikes will be an additional hazard. The showers and thunderstorms will steadily ease during the evening."

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Here's what to expect:

• There is a good chance driving conditions will be affected by spray, standing water and/or hail, leading to longer journey times by car and bus

• Delays to train services are possible

• Some flooding of a few homes and businesses possible, leading to some damage to buildings or structures

• Perhaps some damage to a few buildings and structures from lightning strikes

Residents have been told to consider if their location is at risk of flash flooding and if so, consider preparing a flood plan and an emergency flood kit.

Drivers have also been urged to give themselves the best chance of avoiding delays by checking road conditions if driving, or bus and train timetables, amending their travel plans if necessary.

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