Flooding updates as Storm Christoph hits Greater Manchester

Thousands of properties are at risk of flooding as Storm Christoph brings "significant'' rainfall across large swathes of the UK.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson will chair a Cobra crisis meeting after major incidents were declared in Greater Manchester, South Yorkshire and Cheshire.

There are amber and yellow weather warnings in force until Thursday for the storm, which is also threatening to bring snow to northern areas.

Up to 3,000 properties in Greater Manchester could be affected by flooding, Greater Manchester's assistant chief constable has said.

Speaking at an online press briefing, Greater Manchester Police Assistant Chief Constable Nick Bailey said areas of Didsbury, Northenden and Sale near the River Mersey could potentially be affected by flooding, with a peak expected at 11pm on Wednesday.

He said: "The worst case scenario, estimated by the Environment Agency, is that it could impact on up to 3,000 properties across all the areas I have mentioned to varying degrees.

"This is a significant incident in terms of disruption to people and those people have been advised with regard to action to take.''

Downing Street has said Covid-secure facilities will be available for any people forced to evacuate as a result of the weather.

Rail services have also been disrupted on the Northern network after tracks flooded.

Latest updates

10.05pm

Didsbury Mosque is opening its doors to help people who are being evacuated from their homes tonight because of flooding.

9.43pm

A large number of officers are now being deployed to help with the evacuation of around 160 people at risk of floods in Didsbury.

9.35pm

More road closures are being announced because of flooding - this time in Trafford.

9.24pm

Just when it felt like today couldn't bring anything else on top of Storm Christoph and severe flood warnings... heavy snowfall is now sticking in parts of Greater Manchester.

Here's what it looks like in Wigan tonight.

8.49pm

Our reporter Hannah Makepeace is now at the scene as homes are evacuated in Didsbury and Northenden.

Roads have been closed off as the River Mersey threatens to burst its banks.

And it's now snowing too!

8.11pm

Manchester City Council say they are trying to evacuate people at risk of flooding before any flooding takes place. It's expected in the early of the morning.

Here's the latest information they have provided us with:

"If someone is asked to leave their home and need to stay with family or friends temporarily due to flooding, they will not be in breach of coronavirus laws, which allow for exceptions including to escape the risk of harm - and no legal action will be taken.

However, people should still take precautions to minimise the risk of transmission of the virus – remember to wear a face covering, keep your distance from others outside of your household or bubble, and wash hands regularly.

Manchester City Council has also set up a COVID-safe emergency rest centre at Wythenshawe Forum in case anyone is told to evacuate because of flooding and has nowhere else to go.

If someone has been asked to self-isolate due to Government guidance around Covid-19 or if you are clinically extremely vulnerable, they will already have been contacted directly and Covid-secure accommodation will be provided.

Anyone with urgent need for care and support should call the Council's Contact Centre on 0161 234 5001."

7.57pm

The Environment Agency has now issued a Severe Flood Warning for the River Mersey at West Didsbury and Northenden. It means there is a "danger to life".

Severe flooding is expected for: Properties in West Didsbury and Barlow Moor around Princess Road, Riverside Avenue and Mersey Crescent. Also Stanton Avenue to Palatine Road. Also at risk properties in Northenden on and around Kenworthy Lane to Ford Lane..

7.50pm

The government say they are ready to help Manchester if it's needed.

7.43pm

Parts of Didsbury are now being evacuated due to flooding.

Police say evacuation plans are in place and are strongly urging people at risk to follow the advice.

7.00pm

Northern is advising customers across the north west of England not to travel due to increasingly poor conditions following torrential rain across the region.

A number of routes have experienced issues with flooding during the day and several have seen closures and significant disruption.

As the rain continues to fall and flood waters rise flooding is becoming more widespread and colleagues across the rail industry are working hard to deal with issues as they arise.

Chris Jackson, Regional Director at Northern, said: “Unfortunately the situation is only getting worse and we have had to make the difficult decision to ask our customers not to travel on the Northern rail network in the north west for the rest of today."

The following routes may still have limited service:

Manchester Piccadilly to Rose Hill Marple

Manchester Piccadilly to Stoke On Trent

Manchester Piccadilly to Hadfield

Manchester Picadilly to Crewe

Manchester Piccadilly to Manchester Airport

6.45pm

The River Irwell is also threatening to burst its banks in Manchester and Salford.

These pictures taken this evening capture the footpath being submerged.

6.11pm

The roads are badly affected across Greater Manchester with surface water building.

6.01pm

A large volume calls are being received by Greater Manchester Fire Service.

5.34pm

The Environment Agency have set out how they're planning to try and protect thousands of properties in South Manchester, after police warned they could be at risk of flooding.

4.56pm

People are being told to stay away from the river edge in Tameside as the river swells.

4.17pm

Parts of Trafford are also at risk of flooding - particularly near to Sale Golf Course.

Residents are being told to prepare in case of evacuation.

2.30pm

River levels are being monitored in Rochdale with several flood warnings in place for the town.

Our Chief Reporter Tom Dambach has filed this report: