RESIDENTS are being urged to expect heavy and persistent rain, which has been forecast.

The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for north west England.

This will come into effect from 12.15am tomorrow morning, Wednesday, and it will remain in place through to 6am on Thursday morning.

Forecasters are warning that homes and businesses could be flooded, causing damage to some buildings, while fast-flowing or deep floodwater is possible, ‘causing a danger to life’.

Delays or cancellations to train and bus services are possible, while spray and flooding could lead to difficult driving conditions and some road closures.

A Met Office spokesman said: “An area of rain is expected to develop across eastern and central England, and then move north west wards to affect northern England and north Wales during Wednesday afternoon.

“The area of rain could then become slow moving, heavy and persistent, especially over north facing hills, before clearing during Thursday morning.

Runcorn and Widnes World:

“There is a lot of uncertainty over exactly where the heaviest rain will occur, and this warning is likely to be updated.

“Many places will see 30mm to 40mm of rain, while a few areas may receive 60mm to 80mm.

“There is also a small chance that a few upland areas could see much higher totals, in the order of 100mm to 150mm.”

The Met Office is urging residents to check if your property could be at risk of flooding, and if so, consider preparing a flood plan and an emergency flood kit.

Give yourself the best chance of avoiding delays by checking road conditions if driving, or bus and train timetables, amending your travel plans if necessary.

People cope better with power cuts when they have prepared for them in advance by gathering torches and batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essential items.

“Be prepared for weather warnings to change quickly. When a weather warning is issued, the Met Office recommends staying up to date with the weather forecast in your area,” the spokesman added.