Weather warnings in force for this weekend have been upgraded as Storm Darragh prepares to lash Preston and Lancashire.

The Met Office has put an amber weather warning of strong winds – its second-highest alert level – in place.

Running from 3am on Saturday (7 December) through to 9pm on Saturday then power cuts, travel disruption and ‘danger to life’ is warned of as a result of the 70mph-80mph winds.

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A spokesperson said: “A period of very strong northerly or northwesterly winds is likely to develop during Saturday as Storm Darragh moves from west to east. Gusts of 70 to 80 mph are likely around exposed coasts and headlands, where some very large waves are likely, whilst gusts of 60 to 70 mph are likely inland. The strongest winds will ease from the west through the afternoon.”

The amber warning area covers the western side of the city and a yellow weather warning of strong winds is in force throughout Friday afternoon until Sunday morning.

A separate heavy rain warning is in place for Thursday afternoon covering Preston and Lancashire with an intense four-hour burst of rain expected.

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