WEATHER warnings have been issued with heavy bouts of rain early next week having the potential to lead to flooding.

After several parts of the region were hit with flooding last week, it looks like there is to be little respite in the wet weather.

The Met Office issued both amber and yellow weather warnings from Tuesday onwards with the potential for homes and businesses to be flooded.

The more serious amber warning poses a risk to life, with the forecasted heavy rain combining with melting hill snow, resulting in fast flowing or deep flood water.

The warnings come into place from midnight on Tuesday (January 19) and will remain until midday on Thursday.

Heavy rain across Cheshire is likely to lead to difficult driving conditions, some road closures and delays to public transport services.

A spokesman for the Met Office said: "Several days of persistent and occasional heavy rain are expected to affect the region.

"The heaviest and most persistent rain is likely to be across Wales and the high ground of northern England (Pennines).

"By early Thursday, 30-60 mm of rain is expected to fall widely across the warning area, with 100-150 mm over the high ground of Wales and northern

England.

"Strong winds will also accompany the rainfall and may add to travelling difficulties across areas higher and more exposed routes."