THE start of the coming week brings with it dangers posed by heavy and persistent rain, thunder and lightning.

The Met Office has issued a ‘danger to life’ yellow warning for heavy rain across the north west of England.

This will come into effect from 8am tomorrow, Monday, and it will remain in force through to midnight that same day.

Forecasters say spray and flooding could lead to difficult driving conditions and some road closures, with a slight chance of power cuts and loss of other services to some homes and businesses.

Where flooding occurs, there is a slight chance of delays or cancellations to train and bus services.

Moreover, there is a small chance of fast-flowing or deep floodwater causing a danger to life, as well as flooding causing damage to some buildings.

A Met Office spokesman said: “Outbreaks of rain, some heavy and thundery, will spread steadily north across the area during Monday.

“Some torrential downpours are likely in places, with 15mm to 20mm falling in less than an hour, and as much as 30mm to 40mm in three hours.

“This is likely to lead to localised flooding, slower travel times and a small chance that homes and businesses could be flooded.

“Some of the heavy rain may be accompanied by lightning, bringing a further hazard. The heavy rain will slowly ease after dark.

“Check if your property could be at risk of flooding. If so, consider preparing a flood plan and an emergency flood kit.

“Give yourself the best chance of avoiding delays by checking road conditions if driving, or bus and train timetables, amending your travel plans if necessary.

“People cope better with power cuts when they have prepared for them in advance. It is easy to do – consider gathering torches and batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essential items.

“Be prepared for weather warnings to change quickly. When a weather warning is issued, the Met Office recommends staying up to date with the weather forecast in your area.”