A Met Office warning of very strong winds has been issued for north west England.

It said there was still 'large uncertainty' about Storm Helene's exact track across the UK late on Monday into Tuesday morning.

However, it has put out a yellow 'be aware' warning for the region which covers between 6pm on Monday and noon on Tuesday.

Wind gusts of up to 80mph are possible with winds speeds of 55 to 65mph in other areas and some heavy rainfall.

Blackburn and other areas of East Lancashire could be impacted by the ex-tropical storm which will come from the Azores and up from the Irish sea.

Forecasters have warned of potential disruption to road, rail air and ferry service and the chance of power cuts.

Met Office meteorologist Dean Hall said: "The ex-tropical storm Helene will come up from the South West Azores.

"It will travel towards the UK during the early part of next week.

"There's lots of uncertainty about the exact track and timescale.

"The storm will bring a spell of wet weather and strong winds and come up through the Irish Sea.

"Severe gusts of 70 to 80mph could hit areas of the North West including Blackburn and other areas of East Lancashire and winds of 55 to 65mph in other areas and there will be some heavy rainfall.

Forecasters warned people to expect wet weather over weekend also, with Saturday set to be cloudy with bursts of rain and Sunday becoming more unsettled with heavier rain forecast.

Mr Hall added: "There will be a wet and cloudy start tomorrow with heavy bursts of rain on higher ground in Lancashire.

"Saturday night into Sunday will be wet and windy with the weather on Sunday set to be more unsettled.

"Monday will have some brighter spells but by Monday evening the storm is then expected to arrive."

Temperatures are expected to range between the mid to high teens over the next few days.