Greater Manchester issued flood warning with some residents told 'act now' and move cars to higher ground, take important items upstairs and move pets and family to safety

Flood warnings have been issued as heavy rain batters Greater Manchester.

Residents living near the River Mersey in south Manchester are being urged to 'act now', with a deluge of rain likely to cause flooding.

The Environment Agency said flooding is 'expected' on land near Didsbury golf course, Cheadle Wood and Withington golf course.

READ MORE : Met Office hour-by-hour Sunday weather forecast as rain and wind batters Greater Manchester

There are also flood alerts for the River Mersey at East Didsbury, and West Didsbury and Northenden. Four flood warnings - meaning flooding is expected - have been issued in the area.

A flood warning is also in place for the River Roch at Littleborough.

There are also less severe flood alerts - meaning flooding is possible - in place for land near the River Mersey in Tameside, and the river's catchment in Bramhall, Stockport, Sale, Altrincham and Urmston.

Flood alerts are also in place for the RIver Glaze catchment at Leigh and east Wigan, and the upper River Irwell catchment with Oldham, Bolton, Rochdale, Haslingden, Ramsbottom and Rawtenstall.

A flood alert is also in place for the River Irwell in Salford.

One of the flood warnings states: "River levels have risen on the River Mersey due to heavy rainfall.

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"Areas most at risk include land and properties close to the River Mersey at Didsbury Golf Course and Cheadle Wood.

"Flooding is expected from 10:00 AM today, 20/02/2022.

"We will continue to monitor the forecast and issue further warnings if necessary.

"Avoid using low lying footpaths and any bridges near local