A weather warning for heavy rain has been issued for Blackburn with Darwen and other parts of the county.

The Met Office’s yellow warning covers the whole of Lancashire and is in place from 9pm today (January 13) until 12pm tomorrow (Saturday).

The national weather service say the flooding of homes and businesses “is likely” and flooded roads may increase journey times.

Bus and train service may be affected and there may be some interruption to power supplies.

In East Lancashire the heavy rain is also set to be accompanied by strong 30mph winds on Saturday.  

A Met Office spokesperson said: “It will be cloudy and wet to begin the day, but turning more showery by the afternoon with some sunny intervals developing.

"Strong westerly winds developing and turning colder during the afternoon.

"Maximum temperatures of 11°C."

The Chief Forecaster added: "Outbreaks of rain, heavy at times, will move in from the southwest on Friday evening then persist overnight into Saturday.

"20 to 30mm rain is likely quite widely with 40 to 50mm on some hills. With conditions already very wet this is likely to cause some flooding.

"The rain will also be accompanied by strong winds, with gusts of 40 to 50 mph and possibly 60 mph on some exposed coasts in the south.

"The rain and strong winds will clear eastwards during Saturday daytime."

In Blackburn, 14mph winds with gusts of up to 30mph are predicted overnight.

At Pendle Hill, wind speeds could hit 35mph with gusts of up to 44mph, making it one of the windiest spots in the county.

The Environment Agency has also issued a flood alert for the Lower River Ribble and the River Darwen.

People in Darwen, Blackburn, Preston, Walton-Le-Dale, Pleasington and Higher Walton have been told to ‘be prepared’ for flooding.

They have been advised to prepare a bag that includes medicines and insurance documents and also to check flood warnings.

A government spokesperson said: “Flooding is possible in this area. Monitor local water levels and weather conditions.

“Avoid using low lying footpaths or entering areas prone to flooding. Start acting on your flood plan if you have one.

“The Environment Agency Flood Warning System has issued this message based on rising river or tidal levels.”

Here is the detailed weekend forecast for Blackburn with Darwen:

  • Friday, January 13: Yellow weather warning. Heavy rain expected from 10pm Highs of 7°C and lows of 5°C.
  • Saturday, January 14: Yellow weather warning. Heavy rain. Sunny intervals from 11am.Highs of 8°C and lows of 2°C.
  • Sunday, January 15: Heavy showers changing to sunny intervals by lunchtime. Highs of 5°C and lows of 0°C.