Parts of Greater Manchester have been hit by flooding after some areas across the North West received almost a month’s worth of rainfall in 48 hours.
The downpour began the afternoon of New Year’s Eve and continued into New Year’s Day after a severe ‘amber weather alert’ was issued by the Met Office on 31 December.
It resulted in flooding in a number of areas across the region including Cheadle, Bolton, Stockport and Wigan.
Water was sent gushing into the homes and gardens of Cheadle residents and approximately 445 guests and staff were evacuated from Britannia Country Hotel in Didsbury using powered inflatable boats.
Mountain rescue teams were deployed to help Greater Manchester Police (GMP) and Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) deal with damaged properties and flooded vehicles as well as co-ordinating the evacuations, which currently stand at more than 1,000 people.
A joint statement from GMP, GMFRS and Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) said: “Fire crews have worked tirelessly to keep people safe alongside Greater Manchester Police, North West Ambulance Service, Mountain Rescue, local councils and a range of partners.
“I’d like to thank everyone involved in the response for their hard work and dedication.”
Swathes of the North West and the wider UK are also predicted to receive snowfall this weekend as temperatures plummet to -1 degrees.
Main image: a flooded garden in Cheadle, by Lexi Burgess
Join the discussion