HEAVY rainfall overnight and this morning is causing hazardous driving conditions in part of Bolton this morning as a yellow rain warning and flood alert is issued.

Dramatic pictures show commuters driving through surface water and flooding on Belmont Road, Smithills Deane Road and Scout Moor Road.

Rainfall is now slowly clearing but is expected to return with heavy and thundery showers predicted with winds during the night.

The Bolton News:

A flood alert for Bolton and surroundings area was issued this morning, with a statement on the Government website stating: "The heavy rainfall this morning and forecast throughout today is causing river levels to rise in the Upper Irwell catchment.

"As a result river levels could potentially reach the flood alert level at some of the river gauges in the Upper Irwell catchment.

"Consequently, flooding of low lying land, roads and farmland is possible on Friday 9th August.

"Please be aware of your surroundings and keep up to date with the current situation. This message will be updated as the situation changes."

Heavy showers are expected to continue through to Saturday, with a risk of hail and thunder.

From Sunday to Tuesday, a mix of sunshine and showers is predicted, with heavy rainfall at times.

The Met Office says an unseasonable area of low-pressure will bring bouts of heavy rain and strong winds to large swathes of England and Wales this weekend.

Neil Armstrong, Chief Meteorologist at the Met Office said: “This low-pressure system will bring challenging conditions, including unseasonably strong winds and heavy rain, from the west during Friday and Saturday. Summer storms - compared with those in autumn and winter - always have the potential to create additional impacts because more people are likely to be outdoors, especially by the coast. Additionally with trees in full leaf they are more vulnerable to being brought down by strong winds.”

Commenting on the road conditions for motorists during the period, Highways England’s Head of Road Safety, Richard Leonard, said: “We’re encouraging drivers to check the latest weather and travel conditions before setting off on journeys and consider if their journey is necessary and can be delayed until conditions improve. If you do intend to travel, then plan your journey and take extra care, allowing more time.

“In high winds, there’s a particular risk to lorries, caravans and motorbikes so we’d advise drivers of these vehicles to slow down and avoid using exposed sections of road if possible.”