Severe flood warnings issued: people urged to take immediate action

Further heavy rainfall overnight and throughout Sunday has seen the Environment Agency issue a severe flood warning - which indicates a danger to life - for communities close to the River Mersey

Residents are being warned to take immediate action and prepare for property flooding.

In addition, as of 12pm, there are a further 6 flood warnings, meaning that flooding is expected, and 10 flood alerts, meaning that flooding is likely, in force across Greater Manchester, Merseyside and Cheshire

The Environment Agency is warning communities across the north of England to check their flood risk, prepare for flooding and be cautious if travelling. Heavy rain will continue during the rest of Sunday and overnight into Monday and will fall on areas where rivers are high and rising and the ground is already saturated, causing further flooding of local communities.

Environment Agency teams have worked around the clock, supporting communities at risk during Storm Eunice and preparing for further heavy rainfall ahead of Storm Franklin. Teams are working to operate defences and close flood gates across Greater Manchester and other affected areas in the North West. Incident rooms have also been scaled up in affected areas to support potentially impacted communities.

Teams from the Environment Agency will continue to work 24/7 in the coming days, clearing blockages in watercourses and monitoring water levels.

Bill Darbyshire, Flood Duty Manager at the Environment Agency, said:

“I would encourage everyone to who may be facing serious flooding to their homes and businesses to act immediately to protect themselves and their properties.

“Heavy rainfall over the last few days has seen a severe flood warning issued for Didsbury. A severe warning means there is a risk to life and we urge people to check their flood risk, prepare for flooding, follow advice from emergency services and never risk driving through flood water as just 30cm can float your car.

“Evacuating people from their homes is a multi-agency decision where all risks are considered. Environment Agency staff have been working around the clock with our emergency response partners to help reduce the potential impacts of flooding and support those communities affected.”