Met Office issues thunderstorm alert as Brits warned of 'damage to homes'

Brits have been told to brace themselves for fierce thunderstorms which could cause severe flooding and damage to homes.

The Met Office issued a yellow warning for Northern Ireland on Monday. The alert has been put in place from 11am until 5pm today. Under the warning, commuters and drivers have been told to expect travel disruption due to potentially treacherous conditions.

Homeowners have been warned of potential damage to a "few buildings and structures from lightning strikes." In the worst case scenarios, the strong storms could spark a "short term loss of power."

READ MORE: UK weather forecasters detail temperature change of -6C as westerly wind bites

Other areas could also be hit with downpours, with more than 25mm of rain set to dampen Cumbria and parts of Lancashire on Tuesday. It will then move southeast before showers hit all of Yorkshire, and the Midlands throughout the afternoon.

It comes after Brits have been able to bask in scorching temperatures of over 30C across the UK, with balmy conditions taking over the weather system for several weeks. However, on Monday, Met Office meteorologist Greg Dewhurst explained that a switch in conditions will see "thundery downpours" from this week.

He said: "The heatwave is starting to come to an end as low pressure starts to move in from the Atlantic. We say goodbye to high pressure as this area of low pressure takes over, bringing bands of heavy rain, some thundery downpours, but also bringing in some fresher conditions across many parts.”

The yellow warning for thunderstorms states: "Heavy rain will affect parts of Northern Ireland followed by some heavy showers and a few thunderstorms breaking out later this morning and into the afternoon, before clearing eastwards by evening. In some places these could produce 15-20 mm of rain in less than an hour, with a few spots seeing 30-40 mm in a few hours. Isolated hail and lightning strikes will be additional hazards."

As part of the advice issued, the Met Office said: "Give yourself the best chance of avoiding delays by checking road conditions if driving, or bus and train timetables, amending your travel plans if necessary. People cope better with power cuts when they have prepared for them in advance. It’s easy to do; consider gathering torches and batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essential items."

Regions and local authorities affected

• Northern Ireland
• County Antrim
• County Armagh
• County Down
• County Fermanagh
• County Londonderry
• County Tyrone