HIGHWAYS chiefs are warning motorists to be careful as Storm Gareth hits East Lancashire.

Earlier today Blackburn with Darwen Roads Facebook reported about how the winds pulled down a tree on a main road to Blackburn.

A council spokesman said: "Please be aware that Storm Gareth pulled down a very large tree in early hours of this morning.

"As a result, Pleasington Lane is currently closed, whilst works are carried out to remove the tree."

They have worked on the site and the road is now re-open.

Meanwhile, the flood information service has issued warnings for the Upper River Ribble, Hodder.

They say that flooding is possible.

It said: "River levels in the Upper Ribble catchment are forecast to rise as a result of Storm Gareth.

"Consequently, flooding of low lying roads and farmland is expected overnight and throughout Tuesday morning.

"Flooding is affecting low lying land in Settle, Barnoldswick, Bolton by Bowland, Sawley, Clitheroe, Slaidburn, Dunsop Bridge, Chipping and Ribchester.

"High river levels are possible on the Rivers Ribble and Hodder, Stock Beck, River Loud, Mearley Brook, Pimlico Brook and their tributaries. Further rainfall is forecast until early Tuesday afternoon, 12/03/2019.

"We are closely monitoring the situation.

"Our incident response staff are checking and clearing defences."

Meanwhile, the Met Office have issued yellow warnings for heavy rain until noon today which may cause flooding and transport disruption.

Then tonight there could be strong winds from 9pm until 3pm tomorrow.

They say: "Strong northwesterly winds are expected during Tuesday night and Wednesday with possible transport disruption.

"Probably some bus and train services affected, with some journeys taking longer and delays for high-sided vehicles on exposed routes and bridges likely."

 Have you seen any flooding or storm damage email lancsnews@nqnw.co.uk