EAST Lancashire was still picking up the pieces from Storm Ciara yesterday after 48-hours of high winds and rain.

Flood alerts and warnings across the region remained in place throughout the majority of yesterday, at the River Irwell, River Ribble, the River Calder and the lower River Ribble and River Darwen.

Extremely high winds forced parts of Accrington Fast Fits Tyres' roof to come off and shatter another building's roof, as well as scatter debris across Blackburn Road.

Police were forced to close the road off for the majority of yesterday, with workers seen cleaning up the mess.

Both lanes of the road were closed off, with traffic being diverted from Thwaites Road junction and the Market Street junction.

The Ribchester Arms was submerged under three-feet of water as a result of heavy rain fall.

Robinsons Brewery, which runs the establishment in Blackburn Road, Ribchester, said the pub would now be closed for five weeks.

A Robinsons Brewery spokesman said: "We're currently closed due to flooding.

"We look forward to seeing you when we reopen on Tuesday, March 17."

Residents in Accrington suffered flood damage, with water levels rising from beneath the skirting boards.

Burnley Council staff were out cleaning up minor flooding at Padiham town hall, as well as sorting out flood water at Burnley Cemetery.

A council spokesman said: "Our staff were busy on Sunday dealing with the impact of Storm Ciara, particularly in Padiham but also across the borough.

"Parks staff were out delivering sandbags to residents and businesses in Padiham and helping to support the hard work and community spirit of local people, working together to try and minimise any damage.

"The flood alleviation system was deployed at Padiham town hall and was successful in averting any major damage.

"There was temporary flooding to part of Burnley Cemetery but the drainage system helped clear water away and staff were tidying up today.

"Thompson and Towneley parks experienced flooding - council and Burnley Leisure staff are clearing up.

"The Italian garden at Thompson Park is still under water.

"The park will be closed from 3pm on Monday as more strong winds are forecast.

"Public are advised not to walk in wooded areas during periods of high winds, which will continue throughout today and tomorrow.

"There will be ongoing support from Burnley Council and Liberata in the aftermath of the flood impact and we are liaising with Electricity North West on the loss of electrical supply to affected residents and businesses in some areas."

Electricity North West said it was dealing with one of the worst storms in five years after more than 750,000 homes were left without power.

More than 200 extra engineers were drafted in on Sunday to assist with repair work and Electricity North West answered more than 5,000 calls from its customers.

Sam Loukes, incident manager at the company, said: "Sunday was extremely busy and I want to thank colleagues who worked late into the night to ensure power was restored to our customers.

"I want to thank customers for their patience and support they showed as engineers worked to restore power supplies as quickly and as safely as possible.

"The conditions were some of the worst we have seen for five years, however, I'm really pleased with how we handled Storm Ciara and our advanced planning certainly paid off.

"Across the country more than 750,000 properties were left without power so we're pleased our network here in the North West has held up well and our preparations reduced the impact.

"Storm Ciara is now passing, however more bad weather is forecast, we will continue to monitor the weather closely, have engineers on standby and ensure we are well prepared for more blustery conditions."

Speaking about the wider storm effort, a county council spokesman said: "Big thanks to our staff, local authority colleagues and emergency service personnel who have been working hard around Lancashire - and are continuing to do so."

A yellow weather warning for snow and ice were put in place across the UK from 3pm yesterday, and will be in force until Wednesday.

Heavy snow showers and icy surfaces are likely to lead to travel disruption, particularly over higher routes.

A Met Office spokesman said: "Some roads and railways likely to be affected with longer journey times by road, bus and train services

"Some injuries from slips and falls on icy surfaces might take place.

"Probably some icy patches on some untreated roads, pavements and cycle paths."