AN immediate alert warning of thunder and lightning storms has been issued to Cheshire residents.

The Met Office says the yellow weather warning is now in force in the county, and will remain in place through to 1pm this afternoon, Thursday.

Forecasters say 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.

Where flooding or lightning strikes occur, there is a chance of delays and some cancellations to train and bus services

Spray and sudden flooding could lead to difficult driving conditions and some road closures, while there is also a slight chance that power cuts could occur and other services to some homes and businesses could be lost.

A Met Office spokesman said: “Bands of heavy showers and thunderstorms will move quickly northwards this morning.

“Not everywhere will see these, but where they do occur, 20 to 30mm of rain is possible within an hour, and perhaps as much as 40mm in a few places.

“Lightning will be an additional hazard. Rain will continue this afternoon but become less intense.”