THE Met Office has warned of severe gales across East Lancashire.

The region is facing a short, sharp, stormy spell of weather over the next 48 hours.

The forecasters have issued an ‘Amber’, ‘be prepared’ warning with wind gusts in excess of 80 mph expected.

The high winds are likely to have an impact on transport, ferry services and lead to speed restrictions on some bridges.

Steve Willington, the Met Offce’s chief forecaster, said: “A rapidly deepening Atlantic depression is forecast to move east to the north of Scotland during Wednesday night and Thursday morning.

“This will bring westerly gales to northern and some central parts of the UK, which will veer northerly and temporarily bring much colder arctic air southwards across northern areas before easing into Friday.