The Environment Agency has issued two Severe Flood Warnings from 12pm, Sunday 20 February, for parts of Northenden and West and East Didsbury due the rising level of the River Mersey.
The Environment Agency have issued these warnings as a precaution and may result in some residents being asked to evacuate due to the risk of flooding to their properties.
This risk has been exacerbated due to heavy rain continuing to fall on already saturated ground.
The Council is working with its partners in Greater Manchester Police, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue and the Environment Agency to support residents who need to evacuate homes in advance of flooding. Heavy rain is expected to begin around 1pm, and continue throughout the day and into the night.
If residents are required to evacuate they will be contacted directly.
Residents can check where flood warnings are in place by visiting this website:
https://check-for-flooding.service.gov.uk/alerts-and-warnings
Reception stations are being set up at Didsbury Mosque and the Armitage Cente in Fallowfield for anyone who must leave their home and has nowhere else to go.
It is expected that some road closures will be in place in South Manchester, with updates provided through TfGM’s social media channels throughout the day.
Updates will also be available on the flooding situation through the Council’s website and via the Environment Agency.
If residents are required to evacuate it is important they remember:
- Essential Medicines
- Insurance Documents
- Turn off utilities - electric, gas and water
- Take any important or valuable items upstairs
- Let friends and family know where you have gone
Keep up to date
Sign up for Flood warnings - www.gov.uk/sign-up-for-flood-warnings
For information on flooding the Environment Agency Floodline is open - Telephone: 0345 988 1188, or via Textphone: 0345 602 6340
For advice and updates contact the Floodline on: 0345 988 1188 using quick dial code 143116.
Councillor Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council said: “We’re working closely with the police, fire service and the Environment Agency to protect residents living in the areas where we have severe flood warnings. The process of evacuation is already under way in order to protect as many people as possible given the forecast of more heavy rain throughout the day.
“If asked to leave your home we would strongly advise you do so. Flooding can be extremely dangerous which is why we are working diligently to get residents to safety.
“Emergency rest centres have been set up at the Wythenshawe Forum and Didsbury Mosque where people who cannot stay with relatives or friends will be able to find shelter if evacuated.”