Overview

• The 15-hour warning runs from 2am to 5pm on Thursday and has been expanded to include all of Merseyside and more of Lancashire.
• Bands of heavy, slow-moving showers are tracking northeast, with Greater Manchester expected to see the heaviest conditions from late morning into the afternoon.
• Environment bodies have issued flood alerts, including two for Llanelli from Natural Resources Wales and additional alerts near the River Trent and River Tame by lunchtime.
• Local reports cite heavy rain and standing water on roads in areas such as North Staffordshire and Herefordshire, raising the risk of transport disruption.
• The Met Office notes a slight chance of power cuts and advises preparing flood kits, securing outdoor items, and avoiding showers or taps during lightning.