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People are urged to avoid travel unless “absolutely necessary” before Storm Christoph hits the region.
The Met Office issued an amber warning for heavy rain and flooding in parts of the Yorkshire and the Humber, the North West, the East Midlands and the East of England.
Flood alerts are in effect for some areas surrounding the River Mersey and River Irwell in Greater Manchester for the next 48 hours.
The warnings have prompted Greater Manchester Police to give advice to residents.
The force said it is ready to “stand up” in a response to a major incident, if necessary.
Deputy Police Chief Nick Bailey, chairman of GM’s Strategic Coordination Group for Storm Christoph, said: “We are aware that Storm Christoph is coming to the Northwest tomorrow and I want to assure the public that we are working together with other agencies around the world. region, including local authorities and emergency services, to ensure Greater Manchester is as prepared as possible.
“An amber weather warning remains for most of Greater Manchester and you should contact your local authorities if you are concerned about flooding in your area, but always call 999 in an emergency.
“Heavy rains are expected across much of the Northwest over the next 48 hours and we advise people to travel only if absolutely necessary and to exercise extreme caution when using the roads.
“We are closely monitoring the situation and are ready to face a major incident should it be necessary.
“Flood alerts are likely to be issued tonight to ensure everyone has as much time as possible to prepare for potential floods. We will continue to provide updates as often as we can.”
According to the Met Office, “heavy rains combined with some snowmelt on the hills are likely to cause flooding.”
The amber warning area includes Leeds, Manchester, Sheffield, Wakefield, Lincoln, Nottingham, Leicester, and Peterborough.
The amber weather warning means:
- Homes and businesses are likely to flood, causing damage to some buildings.
- Deep or fast-flowing flooding is likely, resulting in life-threatening danger
- Delays and some cancellations of train and bus services are likely
- Splashes and floods are likely to cause difficult driving conditions and some road closures
- It is very likely that some communities are isolated by flooded roads
- Possible power outages and loss of other services in some homes and businesses
The warning is in effect for Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday of this week, from 6 a.m. tomorrow (January 19) until 12 p.m. Thursday (January 21).
Up to 70mm of rain is forecast to fall in 48 hours in the worst affected areas.
The Environment Agency has issued 11 severe flood warnings, as well as 67 flood alerts.
(Image: Environment Agency)
This includes the Middle Mersey River Basin, including the areas near Bramhall, Stockport, Sale, Altrincham, and Urmston.
There are also alerts for areas around the Highlands of the River Mersey, including Hyde, Ashton-under-Lyne, Denton, Stalybridge, and Glossop.
The Environment Agency said areas of the lower Irwell River basin could also flood.
People are urged to avoid “low” trails near local rivers and waterways.
Details of each flood watch can be found here.
A statement on the Environment Agency website late Monday read: “A prolonged period of heavy rain from the night of Monday 18 to Wednesday 20 January will cause the river level to rise in the river meter of the Manchester racecourse and consequently flooding of properties or roads and farmland is possible.
“We believe there is the potential for flooding in lowlands and roads around the Irk and Medlock, Wince and Worsley Brooks rivers and their tributaries.
“More rainfall is forecast for the next 48 hours.
“We expect river levels to remain high for the next few days and peak in the early hours of Wednesday, January 20.
“Our incident response personnel are closely monitoring weather forecasts and river levels and will issue flood warnings if necessary.
“Avoid using low trails near local waterways, be aware of your surroundings, and keep up with the current situation.
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