Overview

• Yellow warning runs from 2am to 5pm on Thursday, covering 64 areas across England and Wales.
• Greater Manchester is forecast to see the heaviest conditions from late morning into the afternoon.
• Forecasters highlight risks from hail and lightning alongside intense rain and potential surface-water flooding.
• Drivers are told to expect spray, sudden flooding, possible road closures and public transport delays, with a slight chance of power loss.
• Officials urge residents to prepare emergency kits with torches, batteries and phone power packs, as local reports already cite standing water in places such as Herefordshire.