RESIDENTS are being told to expect travel disruption this afternoon with thunder and lightning storms on the way.

The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for thunderstorms covering the entire north west region today, Monday.

The warning will come into force at 1pm this afternoon and remain in place through to 10pm tonight.

According to meteorologists, the scattered thunderstorms will bring some disruption to travel in places.

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

Chester and District Standard:

Delays to train services are possible, while some short-term loss of power and other services is likely.

Forecasters also say there is a chance of some flooding of homes and businesses, or some damage to buildings or structures from lightning strikes.

A Met Office spokesman said: “During Monday afternoon, thunderstorms are likely to develop over parts of Wales and the midlands, before moving northwards into northern England and develop over Northern Ireland.

“These are likely to bring some heavy rain to places, with 20mm of rain possible in one to two hours, but also the risk of hail and thunder.

“The thunderstorms will clear from the south during the afternoon then die out altogether into the evening.”