The Met Office have issued an amber weather alert for rain for the North West, covering Lancashire with surface water flooding highly likely. The Environment Agency will be issuing some guidance on BBC Radio Lancashire at 5pm - please tune in on your radio. To check for flood alerts where you live, please visit Lancashire - flood alerts and warnings - GOV.UK (check-for-flooding.service.gov.uk) and make sure you tune in for travel updates.

In the meantime, there’s some things you can do to prepare and keep yourself, and your loved ones safe.

1. Sign up for free flood alerts and warnings from the Environment Agency or call Floodline on 0345 988 1188

2. If your home or business is located in a flood risk area, visit The Flood Hub for support in creating flood plans for your household, business and community.

3. Prepare an emergency pack and keep it within easy reach if needed. To learn what to put in one, click here.

4. If you are likely to need extra support during disruption to power or water supplies, register with United Utilities and Electricity North West for priority services.

5. Know how to turn off your water, gas and electricity. You can visit www.powercut105.com or call 105 to report or get information about power cuts in your local area.

6. Leave extra time to travel home from work and leave plenty of space between vehicles. Do not drive through flood water – it takes just 30cm of water to move your car.

7. Follow #LancsAlert on X (formerly Twitter) for further updates.

To learn more, visit the LRF flooding page.