Met Office issues urgent 20-hour heavy rain and flooding warning for Lancashire
The Met Office has issued a weather warning for Lancashire with heavy rain set to batter the region today (September 30).
Forecasters say it will potentially bringing more flooding and travel disruption. The warning came into force at 12.30am and lasts until 8pm tonight.
It covers most areas of the county, with the exception of Lancaster, Morecambe and Barnoldswick. The warning forecasts 20-40mm of rainfall widely, with 60mm also possible in a few places across north-west England.
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Met Office meteorologist Liam Eslick said they are expecting some "pretty heavy persistent rain" across the region, as well as Greater Manchester, Merseyside, Cheshire and north wales. The weather agency says flooding of 'a few homes and businesses is possible' with travel disruption also expected on the roads, buses and railways.
It said: "Heavy rain is expected to cause some flooding and disruption in places on Monday."
The Met Office added: "A spell of persistent and at times heavy rain is expected to affect northeast Wales and northwest England during Monday before easing on Monday night. 20-40 mm of rain is expected to fall quite widely with a few places seeing up to 60 mm during the course of the day."
In our region, heavy downpours forecast for the majority of the day. The showers are not expected to ease off until Tuesday.
By Tuesday night, higher pressure will move in, meaning a drier, sunnier spell, the forecaster said. Mr Eslick added: "Come Tuesday night, into Wednesday, we’re starting to see higher pressure, so turning a lot drier and plenty of sunny spells.
"But the following weekend, it does look like there’s a further low pressure coming in, but we’re still keeping an eye on that."
Latest 5-day Met Office forecast for the region:
Today:
A wet day for many with persistent and at times heavy rain, especially in the far south of the region where travel disruption is possible. Feeling cool despite light winds. Maximum temperature 14C.
Tonight:
Staying very wet this evening but the rain clearing south overnight leaving a much drier second half to the night. Clear intervals developing and staying mild. Breezy in places. Minimum temperature 8C.
Tuesday:
Often cloudy but much drier than on Monday with occasional sunny intervals, especially in coastal areas. Just the small chance of a shower. Feeling warmer than on Monday. Fairly breezy. Maximum temperature 16C.
Outlook for Wednesday to Friday:
A generally dry end to the week with sunny/clear periods interspersed with occasional cloudier spells. Often chilly by night with patchy fog but daytime temperatures near average. Relatively light winds.