A MECHANIC was trapped on the roof of his car for more than three hours after he had driven through a flooded road.

Mick O’Callaghan was stuck on top of his Renault Laguna after driving into deep standing water in Barnoldswick Road, near Barrowford and Blacko.

The 20-year-old from Nelson said he did not realise how deep the flash flooding water had become until his engine cut out and water seeped into the footwell.

A flood alert had been put in place yesterday for homes around the River Calder and Pendle Water as heavy rain and strong winds pelted East Lancashire.

Mr O’Callaghan, who runs M J Bulkhaulage in Barnoldswick, said he did not realise how deep the water was until it was too late.

He said: “My car just cut out after I got so far through the road.

“The water came up to the door sills and I had to climb out the passenger door to get to the roof.

“I called a recovery company but I couldn’t afford to pay for it out right, so I had to wait.

“I had never seen that road flood like that, it never floods there.

“There was no signs warning of potential flooding like other roads have.”

An Environment Agency spokesman said staff were monitoring the waterways after heavy and persistent rain overnight caused the river levels to rise.

Mr O’Callaghan was eventually rescued by two men who were able to tow his car out of the water.

Mr O’Callaghan said: “My engine has broken and its going to cost around £600 to repair it.

“I’ve got a business and have lots of other payments going out, it’s going to be difficult to get it sorted.”

Other parts of East Lancashire were also affected by the drastic weather

Motorists were told to drive ‘with care’ after large amounts of standing water Longsight Road in Langho.

The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning across the North of England for Tuesday going into Wednesday.

A Met Office spokesman said: “There will be very strong winds with gusts of 55mph to 65mph, perhaps reaching 75 mph in exposed places, overnight into Wednesday morning.

“Longer journey times by road, rail and air are likely, with restrictions on roads and bridges.

“There is also a chance of power cuts, and damage to trees and perhaps buildings.

“This warning has been expanded in area and with the likelihood of ‘medium’ impacts increased.”