(Image: JLY / Story Picture Agency)
Storm Bert warning as nine places in Greater Manchester braced for flooding tonight
by Lee Grimsditch · Manchester Evening NewsAs Storm Bert continues to batter the UK, more than 100 flood alerts and warnings have been issued. Several weather warnings remain in place as snow, wind, heavy rain and flooding are forecast.
The Met Office has issued concerns about travel disruption, power cuts and hazards thanks to icy surfaces, especially in rural areas. The latest flood warnings show there are now 32 places being urged to 'act now' as flooding is expected, with six affecting Greater Manchester.
There are also 119 flood alerts in place where flooding is possible across the country, with two in Greater Manchester. Flooding is forecast to affect locations near the River Irwell, with low lying land and roads expected to be most affected, particularly around properties along the River Irwell.
The Environment Agency has warned anyone living in the affected areas to start acting on your flood plan if they have one. People are advised to take care and avoid walking, cycling or driving through flood water.
Flood warnings: Flooding expected in these areas
Pearl Brook at Horwich, area close to the river from Bridge Street and Old Station Park to the M61
Areas most at risk include Horwich town centre from Bridge Street and Old Station Park to the M61, homes and businesses on Winter Hey Lane at the junction with Chorley New Road, Mason Street and adjoining roads including Back Emmett Street and Chorley New Road. Further heavy rainfall is forecast overnight.
River Irwell at Prestolee and Ringley Bridges
Flood warning area: Areas at risk include Riverside Drive, Hamble Croft, Langcliffe Place, Ribblehead Court and Stoneclough Rise.
River Irwell from Buckley Wells to Radcliffe
Flood warning area: the DHL Distribution Centre, the United Utilities Sewage Works, Pioneer Mills, and Church Street West.
River Irwell at Summerseat, Riverside
Flood warning area: Areas at risk include land and properties alongside the river at Summerseat, including some properties on Waterside Road, Riverside Drive and The Island.
River Irwell at Strongstry and Chatterton
Flood warning area: Areas at risk are those adjacent to the River Irwell through Strongstry and Chatterton. Including North St, Strongstry Bridge, Chatterton Rd. Other areas at risk include Areas in the vicinity of, Bolton Rd North, and Cuba industrial estate.
River Irwell at Irwell Vale
Flood warning area: Areas at risk include Irwell Vale, Aitken Street, Bowker Street, Chapel Terrace, Hardsough Fold, Milne Street and Parkinson Fold.
Flood alerts: Floods possible in these areas
Upper River Douglas
Flooding is forecast to affect locations surrounding the River Douglas and it's tributaries. Flood alert area: The River Douglas from Horwich Star Vale to Appley Bridge including Adlington, Blackrod, Wigan, Standish, and Gathurst.
Lower River Irwell catchment including areas in Greater Manchester
Flood alert area: The Lower River Irwell catchment also includes the Rivers Irk and Medlock, Wince and Worsley Brooks and their tributaries.
Upper River Irwell catchment with Oldham, Bolton, Rochdale, Haslingden, Ramsbottom and Rawtenstall
Flood alert area: Upper Irwell catchment includes the Rivers Beal, Roch and Croal, Limey Water and their tributaries. Other locations which may be affected are around Farnworth, Whitefield, Little Lever, Radcliffe, Bury, Heywood, Whitworth and Bacup.
Anyone affected can call the floodline helpline for advice, open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Telephone 0345 988 1188, or Textphone 0345 602 6340.