THE whole of Somerset has been put on alert for heavy downpours and thunder tomorrow (Saturday, August 21).

The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for potential thunderstorms between noon and 10pm.

The warning covers a huge swathe of England and Wales stretching from Cornwall right up to the Scotland border.

Chard & Ilminster News:

A Met Office spokesperson said: "Many places missing the worst, but heavy showers and thunderstorms may cause some transport disruption and perhaps flooding."

All in all, it looks like being a very soggy Saturday in Somerset, with rain predicted from around 5am, although we may get a bit of sunshine around 11am before the heavy downpours start.

The Met Office is warning us to expect:

a good chance driving conditions will be affected by spray, standing water and/or hail, leading to longer journey times by car and bus;

delays to train services are possible;

some short term loss of power and other services is possible, with possible damage due to lightning strikes;

flooding of a few homes and businesses could occur.