Boxing Day flood 'alerts' in force in Greater Manchester over heavy overnight rain fears

Two flood 'alerts' are in force in Greater Manchester tonight over fears of heavy overnight rainfall.

Both alerts - which mean flooding is 'possible' - were added to the official Environment Agency list at just after 5pm and cover huge swathes of waterways across the city region.

From Irlam through Sale and Northenden to Cheadle, then on through Stockport to Romiley, one alert covers a stretch of the River Mersey catchment area including near Bramhall, Stockport, Sale, Altrincham and Urmston.

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The alert reads: "River levels are forecast to rise at the Brinksway river gauge as a result of heavy rainfall which will start from around midnight tonight till tomorrow afternoon, December 27.

"We believe there is a possibility of flooding for low lying land and roads around Micker, Cringle, Sinderland and Poynton Brooks and their tributaries.

"Our incident response staff are closely monitoring weather forecasts and river levels and will update the flood alert if necessary. Please be aware of your surroundings and keep up to date with the current situation."

The second alert covers the lower River Irwell catchment area north of Manchester into Salford. The Environment Agency said river levels are also forecast to rise with heavy rainfall from midnight.

"We believe there is a possibility of flooding for low lying land and roads around the Rivers Irk and Medlock, Wince and Worsley Brooks and their tributaries," reads the alert.

"Our incident response staff are closely monitoring weather forecasts and river levels and will