FURTHER torrential downpours may fall this afternoon, the Met Office has warned.

A yellow weather warning has been issued for the North West between 12noon and midnight.

There may be scattered heavy showers, thunderstorms and torrential rain.

Residents have been warned of potential disruption to transport and power cuts due to the expected poor conditions.

The warning covers Greater Manchester and Lancashire.

"While many areas will miss the worst of these storms, torrential downpours are likely in some places", the Met Office warned.

"Where downpours occur, close to 30mm rain is possible in a relatively short space of time and 30 to 50mm rain could fall in a couple of hours.

"In a few places thunderstorms may also be accompanied by frequent lightning, hail and gusty winds."

The heaviest thunderstorms are likely to fall over parts of Scotland and northern England.