WEATHER experts are warning the public to expect "severe thunderstorms" this evening.

The Met Office has put an amber warning in place across a large part of North Wales, including Wrexham and Flintshire.

It came into effect at 5.40pm on Wednesday and is in place until 9pm.

A spokesman said: "Further severe thunderstorms will affect parts of England and Wales on Wednesday evening.

"Some places will miss these, but where they occur they will be intense.

"Rainfall totals of 30-40 mm may fall in as little as 20 minutes, with a chance of 60 mm falling in an hour and 70-100 mm falling in two to three hours.

"Large hail, frequent lightning and gusty winds will be additional hazards.

"Most thunderstorms will die out during later in the evening though a few may continue in to the night."

The Met Office has also warned the public that "there is a chance that fast flowing/deep water could suddenly occur, bringing a danger to life and extensive flooding of homes and businesses."

Damage to buildings and structures from lightning strikes, hail, strong winds may also occur - as well as power and other essential services, such as gas, water, mobile phone service potentially being lost.

"Communities might be completely cut off, perhaps for several days," the spokesman added.

Further yellow thunderstorm warnings are in place from tomorrow (Thursday) until Monday.

For the latest information, visit: https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/