Six urgent 'act now' flood warnings in place across Greater Manchester and Lancashire

There are six 'act now' flood warnings in place across parts of Greater Manchester and Lancashire. The Environment Agency issued the warnings after a day of heavy rain and strong winds on Thursday (December 5).

Areas in and around Rawtenstall, Rossendale, Bury and Bacup are at risk of flooding with urgent warnings in place. There are also less severe flood alerts in place for Bury, Oldham, Rochdale and Bolton.

For each of the warnings, the Environment Agency is urging people to 'start acting on a flood plan if you have one'. As part of the warning, people are urged to move to a safe place with their loved ones, move to higher ground or upper floors of buildings and put flood protection equipment in place. Full details here.

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Three yellow weather warnings were already in force over the coming days, across the north west and other parts of the UK, including this afternoon. The Met Office has now issued a more severe amber warning for 'potentially damaging winds' due to strike on Saturday.

Meteorologists have named Storm Darragh, which will bring strong winds and heavy rain to the UK tomorrow (December 6). However heavy rain hit Greater Manchester on Thursday, bringing increased chance of flooding and delays.

Flood warning for River Irwell at Strongstry and Chatterton

Flooding is forecast to affect locations near the River Irwell, with low lying land and roads expected to be most affected, particularly around those adjacent to the River Irwell through Strongstry and Chatterton.

Flood warning area: Areas at risk are those adjacent to the River Irwell through Strongstry and Chatterton. Including North St, Strongstry Bridge, Chatterton