A flood alert has been issued for parts of Lancashire, as heavy rain is forecast to batter the county today (February 21).

People have told to ‘be prepared’ as a flood alert is issued for the River Lostock and Yarrow.

Areas covered by the alert include watercourses from Whittle-Le-Woods and Chorley to Croston including Leyland, Coppull, Eccleston, Lostock Hall and Bamber Bridge

River levels are forecast to rise on the River Lostock and River Yarrow due to heavy rainfall during the early hours of Wednesday morning.

Under this warning, people who live near these rivers have been urged to check flood warnings and prepare a bag that includes medicines and insurance documents.

People have been told to avoid using low lying footpaths and any bridges near local watercourses and do not attempt to walk or drive through flood water.

The River Irwell in Rawtenstall, next to Bocholt Way, although there is no flood alert in place here at the time of writing 

According to the Met Office, it will be wet and windy this morning with periods of heavy rain and coastal gales.

The rain may bring some local travel disruption but it will ease by midday to bring a much drier and brighter afternoon.

In Blackburn, the wet weather is set to persist until 1pm. Highs of 11°C and lows of 6°C are predicted. Wind gusts of 38mph have been forecast.