Met Office issues grim weekend weather warning for Lancashire
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Parts of Lancashire became inaccessible following downpours yesterday (Thursday, October 29), with reports of cars becoming stuck in rain-swamped roads.
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Hide AdPolice were forced to shut a number of flooded routes, including main roads and country lanes across South Ribble, Fylde, Wyre and Lancaster.
In Fylde, fire crews and recovery teams were mobilised to rescue cars that had become stranded in Spen Lane, Treales. Whilst four miles away in Kirkham, police urged motorists to avoid Blackpool Road (A583), after an accident near to the Buraq Indian restaurant.
Moss Side Lane in Wrea Green and Rawcliffe Road in St Michael's on Wyre were also no-go-zones, with the latter remaining shut today after officers were called to rescue a stranded driver trapped by flood water.
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Hide AdIn South Ribble, a BMW had to be rescued from underneath a bridge in Croston Road after its driver misjudged the depth of the flooded road.
This morning, Lancashire Police tweeted: "Please slow down and take care whilst driving, the weather is awful.
"We are receiving a lot of reports around water on motorways and cars losing control, the weather doesn't look to be changing anytime soon."
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Hide AdThe Met Office is forecasting further downpours for the county today, with a 72-hour yellow weather warning in place from Friday to Sunday.
The Environment Agency is not currently warning of any further flooding over the weekend, but said it will be continually monitoring river levels.
The yellow weather warning covers the whole of Lancashire, including Preston, South Ribble, Blackpool, Fylde, Wyre, Lancaster, Morecambe, Chorley, West Lancashire, Rossendale, Hyndburn, Blackburn with Darwen, Burnley and Ribble Valley.
What can we expect on Friday afternoon and evening?
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Hide AdThe Met Office has warned that periods of heavy rain may lead to some flooding and disruption to journeys, but it has updated its forecast to reflect improving conditions for most areas on Friday afternoon.
It says some homes and businesses are still at risk of flooding and delays or cancellations to train and bus services are possible.
In addition to warnings from Lancashire Police, the Met Office is urging drivers to take care whilst driving, with spray and rain-soaked roads leading to difficult driving conditions and some road closures.
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Hide AdIt has also warned of possible power cuts to some homes and businesses during heavier spells of rain later this evening.
Saturday
More grey skies and torrential downpours are expected this weekend, with periods of heavy rain bringing the risk of further flash floods across Lancashire.
The Met Office warns that downpours on Saturday may lead to disruption to transport, including possible cancellations to rail services and some roads becoming inaccessible.
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Hide AdAccumulations of 25-40 mm can be expected widely, while areas of higher exposed ground could face gale force winds and upto 50-80 mm of rainfall.
It adds that, given the time of year, strong winds will lead to enhanced leaf fall, which may result in additional surface water flooding due to the blocking of drainage channels.
Sunday
Periods of heavy rain are expected to affect Wales and northwest England during Sunday, bringing the risk of further flooding.
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