Seventy people rescued as widespread flooding hits Lancashire
Police have described it as "unprecedented flooding" across the county.
Last updated 23rd Nov 2017
Seventy people have been rescued overnight as flash-flooding hit Lancashire.
More than 500 homes across Blackpool, Thornton Cleveleys, Poulton and Lytham have been without power and many are flooded.
Rock FM's Amy Scarisbrick has been at the scene for us:
Lancaster and Galgate were the worst affected by the floods with reports of "neck-level'" water in some people's cellars.
The A6 at Galgate was closed in both directions and 27 residents were housed in two nearby pubs.
Lancashire Police, Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service, The Environment Agency and Lancaster City Council responded jointly to more than 500 calls related to flooding and attended over 100 incidents across the county.
As well as more than 70 people, 20 horses and a number of cats and dogs were rescued.
Trains north of Preston were cancelled and diversions were in place in Devonshire Road, Blackpool, with a number of local and minor roads also affected.
Environment Agency staff are out on the ground checking flood defences and clearing debis from rivers and will remain throughout the day.
Residents are advised to stay away from swollen rivers and flood water and are urged not to drive through flooding - just 30cm of flowing water is enough to move your car.
Disruption to the road network is likely to continue throughout the day (Thursday November 23) and motorists are advised to allow extra time for journeys into Lancaster.
Drivers should avoid junction 33 or the M6 and use junction 34 instead.
A spokesman for Lancashire Constabulary said: "All agencies worked really hard in a co-ordinated effort to minimise disruption and protect the public and we will continue to support those communities worst affected.”
"The focus is now firmly on supporting those communities which have been most affected.
Lancashire County Council staff are out today assessing damage and clearing debris from roads and drains.
County Councillor Keith Iddon, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, said:
"My sympathies go out to everyone affected by last night's flooding. The problems were caused by the sheer volume of rainwater. We saw very high river levels, including the River Conder breaking its banks in Galgate, which meant that water pouring off the land into drains on the roads had nowhere to go. Fortunately, when the rain stopped at around 4am this morning, we saw the flooding clear quite quickly.
"Our out of hours teams across the county, include drivers on standby for gritting duties, spent all night assisting the emergency services, clearing drains and culverts, putting out warning signs and delivering sandbags.
"We will have other staff out today assessing damage to our highways, clearing any debris left on roads or washed into drains, as well as visiting affecting residents to offer support and advice."
A number of schools are closed today, including Anchorsholme Academy, which has 18 out of its 21 rooms soaked through.