Risk of flooding as amber weather warning issued

Forecasters say "heavy and persistent rain" will fall over the next 24 hours

Amber and yellow weather warnings have been issued for parts of the North West.

Forecasters said "heavy and persistent rain" would fall over the next 24 hours, leading to flooding and disruption.

The Met Office warnings, which cover Greater Manchester, Lancashire and Merseyside, come into place at midday on Wednesday.

Forecasters said "flooding and disruption is likely", as well as "fast flowing or deep floodwater" which could "cause a danger to life".

Power cuts and loss of other services to some homes and businesses is also likely, the Met Office warned.

It is also likely the heavy rain will cause delays or cancellations on trains and bus services, as well as difficult driving conditions and some road closures.