FORECASTERS have released a severe weather warning as strong winds are set to batter the region.

Gusts of up to 40mph are expected across the North West tomorrow with heavy rains coming in the evening.

The extreme conditions have prompted the Met Office to warn of potential disruption to transport as well as possible powercuts in the worst-hit areas.

Heavy downpours are expected to mostly hit the region during the evening and into the night, with a 90 percent chance of rain from 10pm.

Dan Suri, chief forecaster at the Met Office, warned that some areas could experience further flooding following two weeks of extreme weather.

He said: “With further rain in the forecast over the coming days and the potential for another deep low-pressure system early next week, additional rainfall could create further challenges as river catchments are more likely to respond to extra rainfall more quickly.

"Flooding, especially in areas already heavily affected, remains a possibility.”

Temperatures are set to remain between 5-8°C throughout most of the weekend.