Floods warning in North West England as heavy rain due

People living in the North West of England are being warned over the risk of flooding as heavy rain is forecast for much of the day.

The Met Office has issued a severe weather warning for parts of Greater Manchester, Merseyside and Lancashire.

Up to 50-60mm (2-2.4in) of rainfall is expected and in some places that could rise to 100mm (4in).

The rain could lead to surface water flooding of roads and land, the Environment Agency said.

There is also a risk of floods from rivers in built-up areas which are quickly affected by large amounts of rainfall.

The government agency has urged people in Greater Manchester, Liverpool, the Wirral, North Cheshire and Lancashire to be prepared for the possibility of flooding from Friday afternoon through to Saturday.

Environment Agency teams are set to go out checking flood defences, clearing river blockages and monitoring river levels to try to reduce the risk of flooding.

People are being warned to stay away from swollen rivers and not to drive through floodwater.

Heather Stott, BBC weather presenter in the North West, said: "There will be heavy and prolonged rain through the day, difficult driving conditions and the risk of localised flooding.

"It's going to feel pretty windy too. Gale force winds gusting to 50mph will make for a blustery day.

"The wet and windy weather will continue through the day, clearing all but Cumbria and north Lancashire by the end of the night.

"It will be wet and windy at times on Saturday - but much more showery, with more heavy and persistent rain during Sunday."