LIVE Greater Manchester flooding updates as residents warned 'act now' with SEVEN warnings in place

A warning to 'act now' has been issued to residents in parts of Greater Manchester as heavy rain is expected in the area with SEVEN flood warnings and alerts in place. The Environment Agency has issued a red flood warning for an area of Horwich, near Bolton, today (December 9).

It covers the area surrounding Pearl Brook, including Mason Street, Winter Hey Lane and part of Chorley New Road. Residents in these areas are being told that 'flooding is expected' and to 'act now' by the Environment Agency.

A post on its flood alerts website says: "River levels are rising on the Pearl Brook. Flooding is forecast to affect locations near the Pearl Brook."

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It adds: "We are clearing debris from weed screens in the area. We will continue to monitor levels closely. Residents are strongly urged to take action now. Remain safe and be aware of your surroundings."

Meanwhile six amber flood alerts - which are less severe - have been issued across Greater Manchester. In these areas, flooding is 'possible' and residents should 'be prepared', the Environment Agency says.

They cover:

Upper River Irwell catchment with Oldham, Bolton, Rochdale, Haslingden, Ramsbottom and Rawtenstall

River Glaze catchment including Leigh and East Wigan

Middle River Mersey catchment including areas near Bramhall, Stockport, Sale, Altrincham and Urmston

River Mersey Uplands catchment including Hyde, Ashton-under-Lyne, Denton, Stalybridge and Glossop

Lower River Irwell catchment in Manchester including areas in Greater Manchester

Separately, the Met Office has issued a weather warning for wind across all of Greater Manchester today, while northern