Northwich residents evacuated as flood warnings issued
Storm Henk brought heavy rain across Staffordshire and Cheshire yesterday afternoon and overnight
A number of people in Northwich have been evacuated because of heavy rain caused by Storm Henk.
Police say a small number of people living on barges have been asked to leave their homes as a precautionary measure and people are also being urged to avoid the area.
A flood warning is currently in the town and small number of residents at Northwich Marina have been evacuated as a precautionary measure.
The town's flood defences have now been put in place meaning that London Road is currently closed between Chesterway and The Bull Ring.
Diversions are in place, but motorists are advised to avoid the area if possible. Local businesses, including Waitrose, remain open at this time, although the car parks are closed.
Flood warnings are also in place in the Acton Bridge area, although no properties are currently affected, and no evacuations have taken place.
At this stage, it is predicted that the river levels will start receding shortly and it is hoped that impacted residents will be able to return to their boats this evening.
However, plans are in place should this change, and anyone affected by the flood warnings are urged to keep up to date with the latest news on the Environment Agency website.
Superintendent Paul Hughes from Cheshire Constabulary said: “We are working closely with our partners in the community to monitor the situation and collectively we will do all we can to minimise any disruption in Northwich and keep people safe.
“All agencies continue to monitor the situation closely for any potential flooding and I would encourage residents in the affected areas to monitor the alerts from the Environment Agency and take action if flooding has been forecast in your area.”
Residents are reminded not to walk or drive through any flood water – this is often deeper than it looks, it may be moving fast and there could be hidden hazards underneath such as raised manhole covers, which can pose a danger.
Anyone concerned about potential flooding should sign up for free flood warnings on the Environment Agency's website, follow them on Twitter @EnvAgencyNW for the latest information or you can call the Flood Line on 0345 988 1188.