Dramatic pictures show parts of south Manchester left completely underwater after Storm Franklin sparked 'severe flood warnings'

Dramatic pictures show the aftermath of Storm Franklin in south Manchester after it battered the area.

Parts of Didsbury, Northenden and Withington have been left fully submerged underwater after the storm brought heavy rain yesterday and into the early hours of this morning.

Didsbury Sports Ground has been left completely flooded, while Withington Golf Club has also been left underwater.

The playing fields at Parrs Wood High School have been left under a deluge of water and nearby Palatine Road has been shut off due to flooding.

Several roads in south Manchester were also closed off this morning after huge trees fell down in the extremely strong winds.

This follows a night of worry for many local residents after two 'severe' flood warnings were issued on Sunday afternoon.

The warnings were issued for the River Mersey at East Didsbury and the River Mersey at West Didsbury and Northenden.

Residents living near those areas were told there was a 'danger to life' and to 'act now' after the river burst its banks and reached extremely high water levels.

Councillors said 430 homes were at risk of flooding and a rest centre was set up at Didsbury Mosque for anyone who had to evacuate.

Although no formal evacuations took place, some elderly residents chose to go to the rest centre where they were looked after overnight.

Manchester City Council leader Bev Craig confirmed emergency evacuation operations were stood down this morning.

After a review, the Environment Agency also downgraded the two 'severe' warnings that were issued for Didsbury and Northenden.

However, flood alerts remain in place and will remain 'through the week' until the flood basin in Didsbury empties.

People who live nearby are being urged to take care when