Flood alert issued covering huge parts of Greater Manchester as rain batters region

Flood alerts have been issued by the Environment Agency as rain pours across Greater Manchester.

The alert covers large parts of Greater Manchester, including areas in Stockport, Altrincham, West Didsbury, Withington, Carrington and Trafford Park. Flooding is forecast to affect locations near the River Mersey, with low lying land and roads expected to be most affected, the government has said.

The government has particularly alerted that there could be floods in low lying land and roads around Micker, Cringle, Sinderland and Poynton Brooks and their tributaries. Other locations which may be affected are Stretford, Gatley, Cheadle Hulme and Cheadle.

However, no flood warnings are expected under the current forecast, the Environment Agency has said. This evening (December 18), the Met Office is forecasting outbreaks of heavy rain for the rest of the evening, before clearing eastwards.

The Met Office says the weather will turn drier in the early hours with clear spells developing, although a few blustery showers pushing into Merseyside, Greater Manchester and Cheshire.

There will be a bright start to Thursday with plenty of sunny spells, although blustery showers will be continuing, mainly in the south, says the Met Office. The forecaster warned the temperature will be feeling much colder than Wednesday with brisk north-westerly winds and a maximum temperature 7 °C.