THE Met Office has issued a nine-hour warning for heavy showers and thunderstorms for Cumbria.

The forecaster says the yellow warning, which has the potential to bring flooding, will come into effect between 12pm and 9pm on Thursday.

The current outlook on the Met Office website states: "Heavy showers and thunderstorms are likely to develop during Thursday afternoon across parts of Scotland, Northern Ireland and northern England.

"Whilst many areas will miss the heaviest rain, where heavy showers and thunderstorms do develop they will be slow-moving bringing the potential for 20-30 mm of rain in an hour and 40-50 mm in two to three hours.

"Showers and thunderstorms will gradually die out during Thursday evening."

Advice on what to expect on their website states: "There is a small chance that homes and businesses could be flooded quickly, with damage to some buildings from floodwater and lightning strikes.

"Where flooding or lightning strikes occur, there is a chance of delays and some cancellations to train and bus services.

"Spray and sudden flooding could lead to difficult driving conditions and some road closures.

"There is a slight chance that power cuts could occur and other services to some homes and businesses could be lost.

"There is a small chance of fast flowing or deep floodwater causing danger to life."