Fresh flood warnings as water levels set to rise again in Lancashire

Emergency services, the Environment Agency and councils joined the clean-up operation in St Michaels after flooding forced people to flee their homes

A severe flood warning is in place in St Michaels - meaning there is risk to life - following the downpour at the weekend.

The Environment Agency updated its warning on Tuesday ahead of further rainfall forecast through the evening and into Wednesday morning.

Water levels are predicted to peak at around 8am on Thursday although experts say it will not have a 'significant' effect on the current situation.

More than 20 homes were evacuated after the flood defences on Hall Lane were breached. Work to pump away the water is set to continue through the night.

Drone footage, filmed on Monday, shows the extent of the flooding.

An Environment Agency statement, issued shortly before 4pm on Tuesday, said: "Further rain is expected through the evening and overnight on Wednesday.

"This will cause river levels to rise again slightly before peaking at around 8am on Thursday.

"The rise in levels is not currently anticipated to have a significant effect on the current flooding situation in St Michaels, however Environment Agency staff are monitoring this closely and will provide updates should anything change.

"Environment Agency staff are on site in St Michaels, working in coordination with the emergency services as well as borough and county councils."

Members of the armed forces also joined in the clean-up operation on Tuesday.