Flood alert in place across Manchester city centre as residents urged to 'be prepared'

A new flood warning has been issued across Manchester city centre, with residents urged to 'be prepared'. Parts of the lower River Irwell catchment area could be at risk of becoming flooded on Monday evening (September 30).

It comes as Greater Manchester was among the areas battered by heavy rainfall overnight and throughout Monday, with a yellow weather alert issued by the Met Office.

According to the Environment Agency, parts of Manchester city centre, including around Chapel Street and the Green Quarter, Water Street, Oxford Road and Princess Street could be at risk.

READ MORE Greater Manchester weather LIVE as eight flood warnings issued across region

Residents in areas at risk have been urged to 'be prepared'. The Environment Agency says the situation is being 'closely monitored', with people urged to 'avoid walking, cycling or driving through flood water'.

The update reads: "Rising river levels throughout the afternoon and into this evening, Monday 30th September 2024 may lead to flooding.

"Flooding is forecast to affect locations near the River Irwell, with low lying land and roads expected to be most affected, particularly around low lying land and roads around the Rivers Irk and Medlock, Wince and Worsley Brooks and their tributaries.

"We are closely monitoring the situation and monitoring rainfall and river levels. Take care and avoid walking, cycling or driving through flood water."

Flood alert area includes the lower River Irwell catchment area, and also includes the Rivers Irk and Medlock, Wince and Worsley Brooks and their tributaries.

Below is a map of areas in and around Manchester city centre, within the lower River Irwell catchment area, which are at risk of flooding:

Areas around the River Irk are also at risk of flooding, with the second most severe warning issued by the Environment agency. The alert has been issued for the River Irk in Cheetham Hill, around the Collyhurst Road area, with residents urged to 'act now' amid rising water levels.

A separate alert warns of flooding around North Manchester General Hospital and the surrounding areas of Crumpsall. More alerts have been issue covering areas in Moston, Middleton and Chadderton in Oldham.

Residents affected by the flood warnings have been told to:

• protect yourself and your loved ones
• move your loved ones, pets and valuables to a safe place
• move to higher ground or the upper floor of a building
• turn off the gas, electricity and water in your home if it’s safe
• put flood protection equipment in place
• do as the emergency services tell you
• help others if it’s safe to do so