THE Met Office is warning of potential lightning storms this evening and tomorrow, with possible disruption to travel and power outages.

While most of the country is currently enjoying a spell of fine summer weather, thunderstorms are expected to break out, with the possibility of heavy rain.

Some flooding is also being predicated, along with damage to some homes and businesses.

Though forecasters are unable to say which areas will be hit, Clacks residents are being urged to take care.

A spokesperson for the Met Office said: "Thunderstorms breaking out over parts of Northern Ireland later on Tuesday are expected to extend northeast to affect parts of Scotland overnight and into Wednesday morning.

"Whilst most places will miss the worst, please be aware of the risk of localised flash flooding.

"Frequent lightning, large hail and strong winds could be additional hazards.

"All of this could lead to some flooding of homes, businesses and transport networks. Disruption to power is also possible."

The chief forecaster continued: "Hot, moist air spreading north and northeast across the western side of the UK is expected to produce thunderstorms later on Tuesday, these then transfer erratically north-eastwards during Wednesday.

"Rainfall will be very variable, and the extent of thunderstorms is uncertain, but some places could see around 30 mm in an hour and more than 50 mm in a few hours."

The weather warning is valid from 5pm today until 9pm tomorrow.

Cyclists, hillwalkers and early morning commuters are urged to exercise caution.

For more information, visit the Met Office website.