Torrential rain could pose danger to life across the North West

The Met Office is warning that a second day of torrential rain across the North West could cause fast flowing, deep floodwater which poses a danger to life.

An amber weather alert is in place across the majority of the region until midday and it's expected that, in some places, a month of rain could fall within 24 hours.

The sustained rainfall is causing river levels to rise and some drains are becoming overwhelmed. Forecasters are also predicting that some communities may become cut off by flooded roads.

What to expect during an amber weather alert, according to the Met Office:

• Spray and flooding probably leading to difficult driving conditions and some road closures.
• Fast flowing or deep floodwater is likely, causing danger to life.
• A good chance some communities will be cut off by flooded roads.
• Delays and some cancellations to train and bus services are likely.
• Power cuts and loss of other services to some homes and businesses likely.

How to keep safe on the roads during a weather alert:

Extra highway patrol officers are on duty to help clear overflowing drains in the region. Dee Murray is the Duty Operations Manager for National Highways in the North West: "As the rain continues, the ground gets more sodden and you get more surface water.

"The main thing we tell drivers is to slow down and increase the distance between you and the driver in front, as much as you can.

"Remember to put your dipped headlights on to make yourself more visible, and check your window wipers are working before you start your journey.

"It's going to take a little bit longer to react; expect the road surface to be a bit more slippy, expect your vehicle to handle slightly differently, but the main thing is to slow down and maintain a better distance between you and the vehicle in front.

"We have extra patrols on throughout the region to make sure that drain areas are clear and where water is building up, they're going into those areas and clearing it as quickly as possible. But the fact is, with this amount of water coming down, we do have problems in less urban areas from neighbouring fields where water comes onto the network that we can't control directly and it takes longer to clear. There are certain bits of water that we can't stop and if it comes to it, we will close those lanes down for safety."

First for all the latest news from across the UK every hour on Hits Radio on DAB, at hitsradio.co.uk and on the Rayo app.

• #severeweather