A YELLOW weather warning has been issued to St Helens residents as Storm Babet is set to batter the region.

The Met Office has published a “danger to life” warning for north west England for heavy and persistent rain downpours. 

This will come into effect from midnight tomorrow (Friday, October 20) and will remain in force until 6am on Saturday (October 21). 

St Helens Star: The Met Office has published a “danger to life” warning for north west England for heavy and persistent rain downpours The Met Office has published a “danger to life” warning for north west England for heavy and persistent rain downpours (Image: The Met Office)

Forecasters have said fast-flowing or deep floodwater is possible causing a danger to life and that some homes and businesses could be damaged. Delays and cancellations to train and bus services are also expected with spray and flooding leading to difficult driving conditions and some road closures.

Possible power cuts and loss of other services could also impact homes and businesses.

A spokesperson for the Met Office said: "A band of heavy and persistent rain is expected to slowly edge southwards across northern England into Friday, merging with a new area of rain pushing north from the southern North Sea.

"25-50 mm is expected to fall quite widely, though some parts of the North York Moors and Lincolnshire Wolds could pick up 50-80 mm. Parts of north Wales, particularly Snowdonia, could also see in excess of 100 mm of rain through the period.

"Strong easterly winds may exacerbate the impacts brought about by the heavy rain."