Urgent: Flood Alerts Issued for Greater Manchester and Lancashire Following Heavy Rainfall
Authorities have issued multiple Breaking flood alerts and warnings across the North West this morning, Friday, September 4, following a week of persistent heavy rain and high winds. The region, currently navigating the onset of meteorological autumn, remains under high alert as rising river levels threaten to inundate low-lying areas and local transport infrastructure.
In Greater Manchester, officials have implemented two primary flood alerts for the Middle River Mersey catchment—impacting Bramhall, Stockport, Sale, Altrincham, and Urmston—and the River Bollin catchment, which includes Wilmslow, Knutsford, and Macclesfield. Similar Alert notices have been issued for Lancashire, specifically concerning Sandy Brook and Hurlston Brook at Ormskirk, as well as Tue Brook at Clubmoor. Experts note that river levels are expected to reach peak intensity by 10:00 a.m. today. Residents in these zones are urged to exercise extreme caution, as flooding of low-lying land and roads is likely to worsen until the peak, though current projections do not indicate the necessity for formal flood warnings in the Greater Manchester area at this time.
The unsettled weather follows recent warnings from the Met Office regarding the potential development of a “supersized” El Niño event, which could influence long-range climate patterns. Despite the immediate deluge, weather models indicate a brief, sharp shift in conditions for the weekend. Temperatures are expected to climb significantly, reaching 26°C in Greater Manchester and up to 28°C in parts of London by Sunday, September 6.
However, the respite will be short-lived. The Met Office long-range forecast through mid-September warns of continued instability, with northern and western regions likely to face persistent rain and gusty winds. While the weather is expected to stabilize toward the latter half of the month, residents are advised to monitor local updates closely and stay prepared for fluctuating environmental conditions as the region transitions through a volatile start to the season. Further updates regarding flood risks will be provided as the situation develops.
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