Heavy rain warning issued as River Ribble bursts banks at Ribchester

Police have closed Blackburn Road at Ribchester Pic: Ribble Valley Police

A weather warning has been issued for further heavy rainfall in and around Preston.

The Met Office has issued the yellow weather warning which focuses on intense rainfall expected between 1pm on Friday (6 October) and 3am on Saturday (7 October).

The area covered by the weather warning for heavy rainfall Pic: Met Office

The alert comes as the Environment Agency already has three flood warnings issued for the River Ribble at Preston and a flood alert covering the majority of the river through the city and surrounding area.

The Ribble at Ribchester has already burst its banks and police have closed Blackburn Road between the Ribchester Arms and the A59.

Preston Bus says its 45 service affected in both directions until further notice. Services will divert via Longridge Berry Lane, King St, Calfcote Lane, Lower Lane, Preston Rd, Blackpool Rd, New Hall Lane, the A59 to Wilpshire, picking up normal route.

There is widespread surface water flooding on roads in and around Preston causing traffic disruption.