More thundery downpours for Lancashire as Met Office issues Wednesday weather warning

The forecaster said intermittent thunderstorms are likely to interrupt warm sunshine across the region, between 12pm and 9pm on Wednesday.

It said the storms will be 'hit or miss', but where they do occur, they will be accompanied by slow moving, torrential rain, with up to 40mm falling in the space of just two or three hours.

In the yellow warning areas, hazardous hail and lightning are also expected, with the weather likely to impact on traffic and travel.

Preston forecast

In Preston, rain and thunder is expected during a brief spell between 11am and midday, before returning for a second extended spell between 2pm and 7pm.

The Met Office said there is a 60% chance of rainfall and thunder during these periods, before it slowly dies out through the evening.

Morning and late evening are expected to be dry and warm, but cloudy, with temperatures between 17° and 20°.

Blackpool and the Fylde forecast

In Blackpool and the Fylde coast, the morning is expected to remain dry and cloudy until heavy thundershowers between 1pm and 3pm.

Rain is expected to continue after the stormy weather, with light showers likely until 7pm.

What to expect

- Flooding of homes and businesses could happen 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

- Some communities might become cut off if roads flood

- Power cuts might occur and other services to some homes and businesses could be lost