EAST Lancashire towns were put on flood alert today following heavy rainfall overnight and gale force winds.

Environment Agency (EA) officers placed Nelson, Burnley, Clitheroe and Ribchester on flood watch and have issued advice to residents.

This is to keep a watch on water levels, to look after the vulnerable family members, to drive carefully and check the availability of public transport before going out.

A spokeswoman said: "Flooding is possible in these areas and people should be prepared and watch out. This is because of the gale force winds and periods of heavy rain."

Many East Lancashire roads were flooded by the rainfall. Leaves blocked drains causing water to build up on roads and leading to several minor accidents.

The fire service attended the Brownhill Arms Pub, Blackburn, this morning, after water burst through into the ground floor.

First North Western closed the Blackburn to Clitheroe line for an hour this morning due to the floods, but it was reopened at around 9am with a five mile per hour speed limit. This was expected to cause severe disruption to services.

A police spokesperson said: "The whole of East Lancashire is suffering in autumn floods.

"We've had some minor road accidents with people whose engines had stopped after driving through the floods, but nothing serious."

Many Ribble Valley's roads were flooded this morning causing rush hour traffic tailbacks.

The worst affected roads were Stoney Gate Lane, Ribchester and parts of the A59 and A666.

A spokesman for Ribble Valley Borough Council said: "There's been minor problems but nothing major yet. A few people have contacted us about flooding in roads, but we aren't aware of any buildings being badly affected yet."

And the AA has warned that stormy weather expected to sweep across the North West, combined with surface water, would leave drivers facing severe conditions and zero visibility.

The Environment Agency has set up a 24 hour floodline 0845 9881188.