FLOODING is affecting travel services across East Lancashire, with water expected to build up on low lying land and roads in Blackburn and Darwen.

One lane is closed coming from Charnock Richard Services on to the M6 northbound and Preston New Road is closed from the Wrea Green turn-off to Ribby Road both because of excess water.

Disruption is expected until 5pm this evening due to heavy rain flooding the railway between Blackburn and Clitheroe as all lines are blocked with train services running through this station expected to be cancelled or delayed.

Further rainfall is forecast over the next 5 hours but flooding of properties is not forecast at this point. River levels are expected to remain high until Monday (November 2).

The Environment Agency have been out in Ribchester today to install flood defences and checking that grids are clear as more rain is expected over the coming days.

River levels have risen at the Ewood river gauge as a result of persistent heavy rainfall leading to possible flooding of roads and farmland 3.30pm and 8pm.

Flooding is expected to affect low lying land and roads in Darwen, Blackburn, Higher Walton, Walton-le-Dale, Samlesbury, Preston, Fulwood, Cadley, Lea and Penwortham.

High river levels are possible on the Rivers Ribble, Darwen and Blakewater, Savick Brook, Eaves Brook and Sharoe Brook and their tributaries.

The Environment Agency is urging people to check their flood risk online.