A flood alert has been issued for the River Ribble at Penwortham and Samlesbury.

The alert area also covers the River Darwen at Walton-le-Dale.

The Environment Agency said: “Monitor local water levels and weather conditions. Avoid using low lying footpaths or entering areas prone to flooding. Start acting on your flood plan if you have one.”

Read more: Heavy rain warning issued for Preston and Lancashire as Ribble bursts banks at Ribchester

Read more: Flood warnings issued for three sections of River Ribble between Ribchester and Preston

The flood alert area covers: River Ribble from Samlesbury and the River Darwen from Darwen including Blackburn, Preston, Walton-Le-Dale, Pleasington and Higher Walton.

The River Ribble is running very high at Walton-le-Dale, as the detail in this tweet from Carl below shows.

Persistent rain overnight has seen surface water flooding on a number of roads in Preston.

Black Bull Lane in Fulwood is reported to be shut close to Queen’s Drive primary school as the usual spot has seen standing water.

There’s also reports of difficult driving conditions on Preston Road between Grimsargh and Longridge, as well as on Whittingham Lane between Longridge and Goosnargh as surface water is flooding the sides of the road.

Preston Bus has diverted its 23 bus service in Fulwood due to flooding in Black Bull Lane and the number 45 between Longridge and Ribchester is experiencing delays due to flooding on the roads between the town and village.

Ribble Valley Police have closed Blackburn Road at Ribchester between the Ribchester Arms and the A59 – due to the Ribble bursting its banks.

Preston is set to see further rainfall throughout Friday before conditions improve over the weekend with sunny spells and temperatures up to 20 degrees.

Read more: See the latest Preston news and headlines