LIVE: Lightning strike sparks travel chaos as Greater Manchester battered by storm

There have been some heavy rain showers across northern England, Northern Ireland and northwest Scotland ahead of what is expected to be a wet and windy weekend.

Thunder and lightning have also been seen over Greater Manchester, with a number of flood warnings in place across the country.

Winds of up to 80mph are set to batter the UK as the country braces for a stormy weekend, the Met Office has said.

A yellow weather warning for wind, covering a large part of west and South West England and Wales as well as all of the southern coast of England, has been issued by the forecaster from 8pm on Sunday to 6pm on Monday.

The alert stretches from southern England along the west coast of the UK and up to around Manchester with gusts of up to 60mph expected around coasts and hills, according to the weather service.

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14 images show the huge storms across Greater Manchester as people flee for cover.

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There are delays on several lines across Greater Manchester following a lightning strike.

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Footage also reveals the thunder and lightning that has been hitting Greater Manchester today as stormy conditions continue.

Images shared on social media show the extend of the hail downpour in Greater Manchester.

A number of flood warnings have been issued across the North West as heavy rain continues.

Warnings are currently in place around Warrington, West Kirby, Fleetwood and Morecambe Bay.

There is a chance of hail and thunder across the North West today, according to the Met Office. The region is set to see sunny spells and showers, as well as 'blustery' winds, with a