Parts of East Lancashire are expected to be hit with thunderstorms and torrential downpours this afternoon, as the Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning. 

The warning is set for today (June 24) starting at 1pm and set to last until this evening at 10pm.

Affected areas include Accrington and most of Hyndburn, Burnley, Colne, Nelson, Bacup, Clitheroe, Whalley, Padiham, Langho, Longridge, Barnoldswick and much of the Forest of Bowland AONB.

It comes following a week of high temperatures and much of the region hits temperatures of mid to high 20s. 

The thunderstorms are expected to cause travel disruption and could also see flooding take place in some areas too. 

What to expect from thunderstorm weather warning in East Lancashire:

This is what the Met Office are warning to expect from today's weather warning:

  • Where flooding or lightning strikes occur, there is a chance of delays and some cancellations to train and bus services
  • Spray and sudden flooding are likely to lead to difficult driving conditions and some temporary road closures
  • There is a slight chance that power cuts could occur and other services to some homes and businesses could temporarily be lost

Lancashire Telegraph: The affected areas. Pic: Met OfficeThe affected areas. Pic: Met Office

A Met Office spokesperson said: "While many places in the warning area will remain dry, heavy showers and thunderstorms will develop today, becoming most frequent from mid-afternoon and lasting into the evening in places.

"Where these occur they are likely to produce some locally torrential rain with 20-30 mm possible in one or two hours, and will likely be accompanied by hail in a few places."