Preston hour-by-hour weather forecast: Flood alerts in place across Lancashire as Storm Christoph hits

A yellow weather warning, which is in place from midnight on Tuesday (January 19) until 6am on Thursday (January 20), covers Lancashire, Cumbria, Blackpool and Blackburn and Darwen.

As well as a yellow alert an amber warning has also been issued, which will overlap central and east parts of the county, including Blackburn, Darwen, Burnley, Ribble Valley, Leyland, Preston and Greater Manchester.

The amber warning is in place from 6am on Tuesday (January 19) until 6am on Thursday (January 21).

A Met Office spokesman said: "Rain developing during Monday persists into Wednesday and Thursday, this rain associated with Storm Christoph.

"Rain will be heaviest and most persistent across western facing hills. Over 100mm of rain is expected across the higher ground with the potential for 150-200mm of rain in the most exposed areas.

"The rain will also lead to rapid melting of any remaining lying snow across the higher peaks adding to water entering the river network. Strong winds will accompany the rain at times and may add to travelling difficulties across higher and more exposed routes."

Here’s an hour-by-hour forecast:

Wednesday, January 20, 2020:

20:00 - Heavy rain / <95% chance of rain / 4C

21:00 - Heavy rain / <95% chance of rain / 3C

22:00 - Heavy rain / <95% chance of rain / 2C

23:00 - Heavy rain / <95% chance of rain / 3C

Thursday, January 21, 2020:

00:00 - Heavy rain / <95% chance of rain / 3C

01:00 - Light shower / 40% chance of rain / 3C

02:00 - Light rain / 20% chance of rain / 3C

03:00 - Light rain / 20% chance of rain / 4C

04:00 - Overcast / 20% chance of rain / 4C

05:00 - Light shower / 40% chance of rain / 4C

06:00 - Light shower / 40% chance of rain / 4C

07:00 - Light shower / 40% chance of rain / 4C

08:00 - Heavy shower / 60% chance of rain / 3C

09:00 - Heavy shower / 60% chance of rain / 4C

10:00 - Heavy shower / 60% chance of rain / 4C

11:00 - Heavy rain / 80% chance of rain / 4C

12:00 - Light shower / 40% chance of rain / 4C

This is what to expect:

- Homes and businesses are likely to be flooded, causing damage to some buildings

- Fast flowing or deep floodwater is likely, causing danger to life

- Delays and some cancellations to train and bus services are likely#

- Spray and flooding probably leading to difficult driving conditions and some road closures

- A good chance some communities cut off by flooded roads

- Power cuts and loss of other services to some homes and businesses likely

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