BREAKING: Flood warning issued after heavy rain batters region as residents warned 'act now'

A flood warning has been issued after heavy rain has battered the region.

The warning - which means flooding is expected and residents need to act now - covers the River Mersey area, around Didsbury Golf Course at Cheadle Wood and Ford Lane.

A flood alert - meaning flooding is possible - has also been issued for the Middle River Mersey catchment area, including areas near Bramhall, Stockport, Sale, Altrincham and Urmston.

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The Environment Agency has said: "River levels are rising on the River Mersey due to heavy rainfall and flooding is expected close to the River Mersey at Didsbury Golf Course and Cheadle Wood from 9am today, Sunday February 6.

"Further rainfall is forecast throughout the morning and into the afternoon and people are being warned to avoid walking or driving through the water.

"River levels are expected to remain high throughout today."

The agency says they will continue to monitor the forecast and re-issue this warning if necessary.

"Avoid using low lying footpaths and any bridges near local watercourses and do not attempt to walk or drive through flood water," they added.

For residents whose homes are in the flood warning area, the Environment Agency says they should:

For the less severe flood alert, the agency has said: "River levels have risen on the River Mersey due to heavy rainfall.

"Flooding is possible at low lying land and roads around Micker, Cringle, Sinderland and Poynton Brooks and their tributaries today."