THE county is set for a soaking this weekend, with up to an inch of rain forecast during the next few hours and again on Saturday night.

The Environment Agency advised people to keep a close eye on water levels, and to tune in to local weather and travel bulletins.

Even when the rain clears, meteorologists are warning there is a possibility of gale force winds on Sunday in the North West.

Weathercentre forecaster Chris Rees said nowhere in Britain or Northern Ireland would escape the downpours, with the next 12 hours expected to be one of the worst periods.

"Everywhere's going to get a soaking at least twice between now and Sunday," Mr Rees said, adding that the worst-hit areas were likely to be western England and the Welsh mountains.

Environment Agency website...