"Heavy and persistent" rain is expected across parts of East Lancashire today as an amber weather warning has been issued.

The Met Office yesterday (May 21) issued a yellow warning for rain across the region but this has now been upgraded.

The area covered by the warning includes Blackburn, Burnley, and Accrington, as well as parts of Preston and West Lancashire.

The amber warning is in place from 12pm today until 12pm tomorrow (Thursday, May 23).

The warning says fast flowing or deep floodwater is likely and could cause a danger to life, while spray and flooding could lead to difficult driving conditions.

Delays and cancellations to public transport services are likely as are power cuts and loss of other services to some homes and businesses.

A Met Office spokesperson said: "Rain becoming heavy and persistent during Wednesday afternoon before easing during Thursday morning.

"The heaviest rain is expected over north facing hills and where strong winds will enhance rainfall accumulations.

"Many places within the warning area will see 30-40mm of rain, with high ground of northwest England seeing 70-90 mm. While mountains of north Wales may see 100-150mm or more."

The Met Office says to avoid travelling by road during potentially dangerous conditions though if you must travel, drive cautiously and watch for possible danger.

They also say it is not safe to drive, walk, or swim through floodwater and if you are affected by fast flowing or deep water, call 999.