TORRENTIAL downpours and strong winds are forecast for the region as the weather takes a turn for the worst.

It comes as the Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for the north west region.

The alert will come into force from 9pm this evening, Thursday, and it will remain in place through to 8pm tomorrow evening, Friday.

Forecasters say heavy rain and strong winds may cause some disruption to travel during Friday.

People should expect spray and flooding on roads probably making journey times longer, while some flooding is possible.

Bus and train services will also probably be affected, with journey times taking longer.

A Met Office spokesman said: “Rain, heavy and persistent at times, will move north east across much of England and Wales during Thursday night and Friday morning, with some drier spells following across southern and eastern England for a time.

St Helens Star:

“It will also become windy, with gusts of 45 to 50mph inland, and as high as 60mph on some southern coasts.

“The rain will clear from the north west through Friday afternoon and evening.

“Widely, 10 to 20mm of rain is likely, but in the wettest spots, 30 to 50mm is possible, and some high ground of west Wales could see 70mm.

“Also, there is a chance of 20 to 30mm of rain within two hours if heavy showers and thunderstorms develop over southern England.

The warning area has been extended further north and east across England, and also highlights the chance of strong and gusty winds in places.

The end time has also been brought forward by a few hours.