This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-18547008#sa-ns_mchannel=rss&ns_source=PublicRSS20-sa

The article has changed 4 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 1 Version 2
Floods warning in North West England as heavy rain due Floods warning in North West England as heavy rain due
(about 4 hours later)
People living in the North West of England are being warned over the risk of flooding as heavy rain is forecast for much of the day. People living in the North West of England have been warned over the risk of flooding with heavy rain forecast for much of the day.
The Met Office has issued a severe weather warning for parts of Greater Manchester, Merseyside and Lancashire.The Met Office has issued a severe weather warning for parts of Greater Manchester, Merseyside and Lancashire.
Up to 50-60mm (2-2.4in) of rainfall is expected and in some places that could rise to 100mm (4in). Up to 50-60mm (2-2.4in) of rainfall was expected and in some places that was predicted to rise to 100mm (4in).
The rain has led to Olympic torch relay events in Lancashire and a girl guiding festival in Cheshire being cancelled.
The rain could lead to surface water flooding of roads and land, the Environment Agency said.The rain could lead to surface water flooding of roads and land, the Environment Agency said.
Swollen rivers
There is also a risk of floods from rivers in built-up areas which are quickly affected by large amounts of rainfall.There is also a risk of floods from rivers in built-up areas which are quickly affected by large amounts of rainfall.
River blockages The government agency has urged people in Greater Manchester, Liverpool, the Wirral, North Cheshire and Lancashire to be prepared for the possibility of flooding.
The government agency has urged people in Greater Manchester, Liverpool, the Wirral, North Cheshire and Lancashire to be prepared for the possibility of flooding from Friday afternoon through to Saturday. A flood warning was issued for the upper river Douglas, affecting Addlington, Blackrod, Wigan, Standish and Gathurst, at about 12:50 BST.
Environment Agency teams are set to go out checking flood defences, clearing river blockages and monitoring river levels to try to reduce the risk of flooding. Environment Agency teams have been checking flood defences, clearing river blockages and monitoring river levels to try to reduce the risk of flooding.
People are being warned to stay away from swollen rivers and not to drive through floodwater.People are being warned to stay away from swollen rivers and not to drive through floodwater.
Events surrounding the Olympic torch relay's journey through Lancashire have been affected by the weather, though the relay itself has carried on as planned.
The evening celebration of the torch's arrival in Blackpool, planned for the town's outdoor Tower Festival Headland venue, has been cancelled, with the lighting of the Olympic cauldron taking place at the indoor ticket-only dance event at the Tower Ballroom instead.
Guides 'waterlogged'
Elsewhere, outdoor sports displays, entertainment and street theatre planned for Garstang, Fleetwood and Cleveleys have been cancelled.
In Cheshire, organisers of the girl guiding festival Fabfest, which was due to take place at the Tabley Showground near Knutsford on Saturday, said it had been cancelled due to "the site being waterlogged".
In Merseyside, the Croxteth Park Music Festival, which was due to take place on Sunday, has been postponed and will now take place on 5 August.
Heather Stott, BBC weather presenter in the North West, said: "There will be heavy and prolonged rain through the day, difficult driving conditions and the risk of localised flooding.Heather Stott, BBC weather presenter in the North West, said: "There will be heavy and prolonged rain through the day, difficult driving conditions and the risk of localised flooding.
"It's going to feel pretty windy too. Gale force winds gusting to 50mph will make for a blustery day."It's going to feel pretty windy too. Gale force winds gusting to 50mph will make for a blustery day.
"The wet and windy weather will continue through the day, clearing all but Cumbria and north Lancashire by the end of the night."The wet and windy weather will continue through the day, clearing all but Cumbria and north Lancashire by the end of the night.
"It will be wet and windy at times on Saturday - but much more showery, with more heavy and persistent rain during Sunday.""It will be wet and windy at times on Saturday - but much more showery, with more heavy and persistent rain during Sunday."