Extreme weather could hit Cumbria today, Thursday, 23 June, and into the weekend and Cumbria County Council is advising residents, and drivers in particular, to take care.
Severe storms with torrential downpours bringing up to 60mm of rain in a three hour period are forecast with squally winds and large hail.
If the storms arrive, Cumbria County Council's emergency planners advise people stay indoors and not to shelter under trees.
Drivers should avoid unnecessary journeys and, if caught in storms, take extra care, watching out for standing water and localised flooding.
The following warning has been received from the met Office's National Severe Weather Warning Scheme:
Advance Notice of Severe Weather - - Heavy rain
The risk assessment of disruption due to torrential rain is 80% for parts of the Country
Regional Risk Assessment for North West England during the period 21:00 Thursday 23 June until 03:00 Saturday 25th June 40% chance of disruption.
Storms with torrential rain up to 60mm in three hour period are forecast to be severe and long lasting with squally winds and large hail. Water accumulating up to 100mm locally. Public advice will be to get indoors as soon as possible and not to shelter under trees.