HEAVY rain with a risk of disruption is expected across Cumbria and North Lancashire on Wednesday.

The Environment Agency says that today and tomorrow will see further rain at times across the county though it is not expected to be disruptive.

The main risk of disruption (from both river and to a slightly lesser degree surface water excess) comes during Wednesday when a set of slow-moving weather fronts look set to bring an extended period of locally heavy rain across Cumbria and Northern Lancashire.

With 36 to 48 hours still to go before the onset of the rain there remains some doubt as to the exact timings. At the moment the rain is forecast to start around breakfast time Wednesday morning and then continue through until around mid-evening before moving off to the east.

Widespread rainfall totals of 50 to 80mm could be reached, with 100 to 150mm possible over high ground.

"We currently expect to issue widespread flood alerts as catchments react to this rainfall," said an EA spokesman. "We also expect that several flood warnings will be issued later on during Wednesday, however at this stage we cannot be more specific about the areas these will be required for.

Environment Agency staff are continuing to monitor river and lake levels and have staff out on the ground checking assets, removing any blockages from watercourses and clearing debris screens prior to the rainfall.

For further information on flood alerts and flood warnings, visit https://flood-warning-information.service.gov.uk/ or contact Floodline on 0345 988 1188.