Flood alerts in place for Preston, Catterall, Leyland and Chorley as Storm Bert continues

Flooded River Ribble near London Road Pic: @vladivir — A very high River Ribble near London Road in 2021 Pic: @vladivir

A flood alert has been issued for a section of the River Ribble and River Darwen at Preston.

The lowest-level warning, which advises people to ‘be aware’, has been put in place due to Storm Bert sweeping in.

Persistent heavy rain means the river levels are due to rise rapidly along the River Ribble from Samlesbury and on the River Darwen from Darwen through to Walton-le-Dale where it joins the Ribble.

The flood alert says flooding is possible from 2pm on Saturday (23 November) and people are urged by the Environment Agency to ‘take care and avoid walking, cycling or driving through flood water.’

Flood alerts are also in place on the River Lostock and River Yarrow between Leyland and Chorley and the upper River Wyre at Brock near Catterall.

The Met Office has a yellow weather alert for heavy rain in place throughout Saturday and until 9am on Sunday (25 November).

Subscribe: Keep in touch directly with the latest headlines from Blog Preston, join our WhatsApp channel and subscribe for our twice-a-week email newsletter. Both free and direct to your phone and inbox.