FLOODS could be on the way after an amber thunderstorm warning was sounded for huge swaths of the county this evening.

It's been issued by the Met Office and covers a large part to western England and Wales including areas like Cockermouth, Penrith and Keswick - it runs until 9pm this evening.

The rest of the county, including Carlisle, Whitehaven and Workington is covered by a Yellow warning which is set to run until midnight.

Met Office advice states that an amber warning means a chance of : "Severe thunderstorms causing flooding and disruption in a few places."

It adds: "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/structures from lightning strikes, hail, strong winds may occur.

"If flooding occurs, road closures with long delays and cancellations to bus and rail services are possible.

"Rapidly changing, dangerous driving conditions from spray, sudden flooding, standing water and/or hail might occur.

"Power and other essential services, such as gas, water, mobile phone service could be lost."

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