YELLOW weather warnings for wind and rain has been issued for East Lancashire over the next few days.

Tomorrow will see strong northwesterly winds batter the region during Tuesday from 9pm onwards.

This will follow a large amount of rain which is expected to fall from noon.

This comes as the Environment Agency has issued flood alerts for the upper River Calder area in Pendle, near Earby, Kelbrook and Foulridge during this evening.

The warnings means bus and train services might be affected with journeys on the roads taking longer.

Exposed routes on motorways and A-roads may bring delays for high-sided vehicles.

A Met Office spokesman said: "Some short term loss of power and other services is possible.

"It's likely that some coastal routes, sea fronts and coastal communities are affected by spray and large waves."

During Wednesday, the rain warning will be lifted but the wind warning will last until noon.

The rain warning will be reintroduced at 12.15am on Thursday until 10am, and again on Friday at the same time.

This warning includes possible flooding on roads and journeys being delayed.

In preoperation for the weather agency staff will monitor rain and river levels and have teams out cleaning debris.

Matt Crump, from the Environment Agency, said: "We are expecting heavy, persistent rain to fall overnight and into tomorrow, falling on already saturated ground.

"Indications show flood warnings may be issued across areas of Cumbria and Lancashire and we are reminding people to be vigilant, know their risk in their area and respond to flood alerts and warnings."