The Met Office has issued a yellow warning of rain for the North West today.
The warning covers the period from 3pm today until noon tomorrow.
It says rain is expected to spread from the west during Thursday, gradually turning heavier and more persistent.
The heaviest rainfall will be over high ground, initially across western Scotland, then developing across north west England and Wales during thisafternoon and evening.
Drier conditions, albeit with some showers, are expected to reach Scotland late Friday morning, with the rain expected to clear north west England and north Wales by midday.
Network Rail has advised train passengers to check before they travel as northern England braces itself for the arrival of Storm Gertrude.
Friday morning is predicted to bring strong winds with gusts reaching up to 70mph in Cumbria and Lancashire. The severe weather is predicted to continue througout the weekend and into early next week.
Cautionary speed restrictions of 50mph will be in place on Friday morning on the West Coast main line between Tebay and Oxenholme when the strongest winds are predicted to minimise the chances of any damage to the overhead lines. Restrictions will also be in place between Settle and Carlisle.
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