Greater Manchester thunderstorms LIVE as Met Office issues warning over 'frequent lightning strikes'

Thunderstorms have started to hit Greater Manchester this afternoon with showers expected throughout the region.

A yellow severe thunderstorm warning is in force today (Sunday, September 1) for large parts of the country. The Met Office warning, which covers most of England, including the North West, was issued at 4am this morning and will remain in place until midnight.

The Met Office warns that it “may cause flooding and disruption”, with heavy showers and thunderstorms expected to move north across England, into parts of Wales and later in Scotland. People have been warned of ‘difficult driving conditions’ and potentially road closures, as well as the possibility of delays and cancellations to public transport, with a 'slight chance' of power cuts across the UK.

READ MORE: Met Office issues thunderstorm warning with heavy showers and chance of flooding

There’s also a chance of damage to buildings caused by floodwater, lightning strikes, hail or strong winds. Forecasters said: “Through today, areas of heavy showers and thunderstorms are expected to move north across England, into parts of Wales and later into Scotland.

"The extent of these thunderstorms remains very uncertain and whilst many places will miss them, some places may see 30 to 40 mm of rain fall in less than an hour and perhaps over 60-80 mm in one or two places. Frequent lightning strikes and hail will be additional hazards.”

This is a live blog. Weather updates to follow below.

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