Weekend wash-out predicted

Weather forecasters are predicting thunderstorms and torrential downpours across many parts of the country as the weekend approaches.

The bad weather - including flash floods - is most likely away from coastal areas, especially in northern England, the Midlands and central Wales.

Forecaster Rachel Vince said thundery showers were expected to begin in southern England, Wales and the Midlands on Friday.

Persistent and heavy rain is also expected to move across Northern Ireland, northern England and the south of Scotland.

Ms Vince said: "It's not looking great this weekend. On Saturday, Northern Ireland and Scotland are expecting to have a lot of cloud and spells of rain, although it will become brighter as the day progresses.

"In England and Wales we are expecting the sunshine to break through at times, more especially across southern areas. But we have got heavy showers, thundery showers and torrential downpours expected."

She added: "From the intensity of the rain it wouldn't be surprising to experience some localised flooding.

"The clouds will be slow moving so there could be quite a bit of rain locally."

She said areas affected by thunderstorms could experience about 25mm of rainfall, with 5-6mm elsewhere.

People are advised to call the Environment Agency Floodline for news on flood warnings on 0845 988 1188.

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