LATEST: Flood updates as Storm Christoph arrives in Greater Manchester
A major incident has been declared by Greater Manchester Police
Last updated 20th Jan 2021
Greater Manchester is stepping up its response as flood warnings remain in place across the region.
The Met Office has issued an amber weather warning for rain until midday on Thursday.
Find out the alerts for your area here.
You can also follow our updates below:
14.18pm
A round-up from across the region shows extremely high river levels in Chorlton, Rochdale and Northwich in Cheshire.
12.44pm
Our reporter is on scene by the River Roch, where the town is preparing for flooding.
11.04am
Businesses in Rochdale town centre are putting up flood defences as concerns are raised over the River Roch.
The Environment Agency says the river is “at some of its highest levels we’ve seen in a long time”.
10.45am
Heavy rain and flooding continue to cause disruption on some routes across the Northern network.
Rail is falling on already sodden ground and has flooded the tracks in many areas, causing delays and cancellations.
Weather-related issues are current impacting services on the following routes with trains suspended:
• Hazel Grove – Buxton
• Maryport - Carlisle
• Skipton - Lancaster
• Manchester Victoria - Walsden
• Manchester - Newton le Willows
• Rotherham Central - all locations
• Wigan NW - St Helens Central
There is also disruption to services on the following routes:
• Sowerby Bridge – Rochdale
• Wigan Wallgate – Southport
• Salford Crescent – Preston
• Bradford Interchange - Halifax
Head to National Rail Enquiries or @Northernassist on Twitter to get the latest information.
09.53am
Videos from the public show rising water levels from the River Mersey in Didsbury.
09.49am
A flood warning is in place for The River Roch in Rochdale, with water levels already high and more rain set to fall.
Wednesday - 08.58am
Heavy rainfall brings disruption to travel, with rail services operating at a slower speed and road closures in place.
Tuesday - 17.06pm
Greater Manchester Police declare a major incident to ensure they're "as prepared as possible for heavy rainfall".
Assistant Chief Constable Nick Bailey says "The safety of the public is our number one priority".
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