Met Office issues 13-hour thunderstorm alert as heavy rain set to lash UK

The Met Office has issued two new yellow thunderstorm alerts covering much of Northern Ireland, warning of "disruption and flooding".

The first warning begins at 1.00pm today and will last for the majority of the day, with the alert expiring at 9.00pm tonight, whilst the second begins tomorrow at 9.00am and lasts for a staggering 13-hours.

"Many places missing the worst, but where thunderstorms occur, they could bring travel disruption and surface water flooding," the Met Office have announced.

The first warning covers County Fermanagh, County Londonderry and County Tyrone, whilst the second extends to County Antrim, County Armagh and County Down.

The Met Office has cautioned that spray and flooding could create treacherous driving conditions and lead to some roads being closed.

Cancellations to public transport services are also likely in areas where flooding of lightening occurs.

"There is a slight chance that power cuts could occur and other services to some homes and businesses could be lost," the weather office added.

"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."

The Met Office also cautioned that fast-flowing or deep floodwater could occur, however stressed that the likelihood of this happening was only small.

More to follow...