UPDATE: As of 1pm on December 31, all of the flood warnings for East Lancashire have now been removed on the Environment Agency website

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SEVERAL flood warnings were issued last night (December 30) as heavy rain continued to fall across East Lancashire.

Ribble Valley Police warned of rising water levels at the River Ribble in Ribchester and told people not to attempt walking or driving through flood water - as emergency services worked through the night to ease pressures caused by the heavy rainfall.

A spokesperson said: "We are aware of rising river levels of the River Ribble at Ribchester with multiple roads affects and at risk of flooding this evening.

"Our colleagues at the Environment Agency have issued several flood warnings due to the heavy rainfall.

"Emergency services are currently at the scene and monitoring the water height.

"Please avoid using low lying footpaths and any bridges near local watercourses and we would ask you not to attempt to walk or drive through flood water."

The Environment Agency also issued flood warnings from Lower River Ribble and Darwen, which could affect people in Blackburn.

A warning issued last night read: "River levels will rise steadily on the River Ribble and River Darwen due to heavy rainfall. Areas most at risk include River Ribble from Samlesbury and the River Darwen from Darwen including Blackburn, Preston, Walton-Le-Dale, Pleasington and Higher Walton.

"Flooding is possible at River Ribble from Samlesbury and the River Darwen from Darwen including Blackburn, Preston, Walton-Le-Dale, Pleasington and Higher Walton from 05:00 PM on 30/12/2021.

"River levels are expected to remain high overnight on 30/12/2021. We are monitoring rainfall and river levels and are checking rivers for blockages in the area. Avoid using low lying footpaths and any bridges near local watercourses and do not attempt to walk or drive through flood water."

Burnley, Nelson, Colne and Accrington are also at risk of flooding from the River Calder, as a further warning was issued for these areas.

The agency said: "River levels will rise steadily on the River Calder due to heavy rainfall. Areas most at risk include Rivers Calder, Brun, Don and Pendlewater, from Laneshaw Bridge to the river Ribble including Trawden, Burnley, Nelson, Colne, Accrington and Whalley.

"Flooding is possible at Rivers Calder, Brun, Don and Pendlewater, from Laneshaw Bridge to the river Ribble including Trawden, Burnley, Nelson, Colne, Accrington and Whalley from 08:00 PM on 30/12/2021. River levels are expected to remain high overnight.

"We will continue to monitor levels closely. Avoid using low lying footpaths and any bridges near local watercourses and do not attempt to walk or drive through flood water."