Some East Lancashire towns have been warned to prepare for possible flooding as the UK is battered with heavy rain.

The Environment Agency has warned of possible flooding in Blackburn and Darwen, Rawtenstall and other parts of Lancashire, along the Lower River Ribble, River Lostock, River Irwell and River Yarrow.

Flooding is possible when river levels are at their highest from 3pm.

Areas most at risk include River Ribble from Samlesbury and the River Darwen from Darwen including Blackburn, Preston, Walton-Le-Dale, Pleasington and Higher Walton.

Further flooding is possible this evening as river levels remain high due to heavy rainfall.

Around the River Lostock and River Yarrow, flooding of roads and low-lying land is possible this afternoon and evening.

Flooding is possible when river levels are at their highest from 6 pm.

Areas most at risk include Rivers Yarrow and Lostock and other watercourses from Whittle-Le-Woods and Chorley to Croston including Leyland, Coppull, Eccleston, Lostock Hall and Bamber Bridge.

The possible flooding of the River Irwell may impact areas around Farnworth, Whitefield, Little Lever, Radcliffe, Bury, Heywood, Whitworth, Rawtenstall and Bacup. 

Yellow rain warnings have been issued across East Lancashire, with both warnings forecasting 20mm to 40mm of rainfall widely, with 60mm also possible.

Pictures have surfaced of flooding in Lancashire. Erin Anne shared a picture of a flooded Lottice Lane in Oswaldtwistle.

It came into force at 12.30am today, Monday, September 30 and is expected to stay in place until 8pm.

Drivers have been warned that spray and flooding on roads will make journey time longer and bus and train journeys are also expected to be delayed.

They also suggest checking road conditions if driving, or bus and train timetables and amending your plans if necessary.

A spokesperson from the Met Office said: “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.”

Weather warnings can change quickly and they recommend staying up to date with the forecast in your area.

Mark Garratt, flood risk manager at the Environment Agency, said: “It is especially important that people not to drive through flood water – it is often deeper than it looks and just 30cm of flowing water is enough to float your car.

“Across the country, Environment Agency teams have been out checking flood defences and clearing any debris from storm drains and are also supporting local authorities in responding to surface water flooding.
       
“The advice to the public is to keep checking their flood risk, and search ‘check for flooding’ and to sign up for free flood warnings on the latest situation or follow @EnvAgency on X for the latest flood updates.”