Flood alerts across the North West after Storm Bert batters UK

The Environment Agency say they continue to monitor river levels - which seems to be finally subsiding

Author: Oliver MorganPublished 24th Nov 2024

The North West remains under alert for flooding - after treacherous conditions over the past couple of days.

Emergency services continue to deal with the aftermath of Storm Bert.

In Bury, Salford and Sale, you’re urged to ‘be prepared’ as rivers burst their banks, whilst parts of Preston, Horwich and Accrington remain 'act now' flood warnings, with residents there urged by the Environment Agency to take care and avoid walking, cycling or driving through flood water.

The message remains as river levels continue to fall - but still, they remain a number of metres above their normal readings.

Ten people have been rescued after a landslide at a farmhouse in north Wales.

Emergency crews were called out yesterday afternoon to dramatic scenes of water gushing into a field near Llangollen.

We’re told the property suffered ‘substantial damage’ because of the force of the landslide.

In Ramsbottom, levels reached nearly 2.8 metres, and managed to reach dozens of homes - despite many there installing flood defences, as they continue to feel the aftermath of the Boxing Day floods in 2015.

Dramatic footage shared on social media show much of Nuttall Park completely underwater.

Local councillor Gareth Staples-Jones said his mission now is to improve communication with locals the next time something like this happens - after receiving complaints from a small number of residents.

He said: "The council was really good in terms of mobilising people - but there is a bigger thing about the drains, and how we deal with them in the long term.

"Just the sheer amount of water that came down in this instance this weekend was too much for the ageing infrastructure to handle.

"Moving forward, I'm hoping communication improves a little bit, but on the hole, we reacted well.

"The council will be going out on Sunday to make sure the park is made safe.

"Thank you very much for your patience, and looking after your neighbours, and helping out."

Across the country, three men died on the roads during Storm Bert and thousands of homes have been without power.

The Met Office said Storm Bert is likely to cause "dangerous coastal conditions" and disruption across southern England and parts of Wales until 9pm on Sunday, with a yellow wind warning in place.

Train journeys to and from Manchester Piccadilly were disrupted on Saturday evening as flooding between Macclesfield and Stoke-on-Trent blocked some lines.

Thousands of homes were without power on Saturday as strong winds tore down power lines. Northern Powergrid said 27,000 customers were affected in the North East, Yorkshire and northern Lincolnshire.

In a post on X on Saturday evening, Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said: "My thoughts are with all those affected by Storm Bert.

"For those who have lost power, my department will be keeping in close touch with the energy companies as they seek to ensure it is restored as swiftly as possible and help those affected."

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