Downpours are expected to continue this morning
The areas covered by flood alerts in Greater Manchester(Image: Environment Agency)
Dozens of flood alerts have been issued across England – including two in Greater Manchester. Storm Bram has brought downpours across the country overnight, with heavy rain continuing this morning (December 9).
The Met Office expects similar conditions in Greater Manchester until around 11am, with light rain easing to showers by 1pm. The Environment Agency has issued 32 red flood warnings across England, where flooding is expected and residents should ‘act now’.
A further 172 amber flood alerts are in force across the country, meaning flooding is possible and residents should ‘be prepared’. They include an alert covering the Lower River Irwell catchment across a large area of Greater Manchester.
It includes areas surrounding the River Medlock in central Manchester, Salford Quays and areas surrounding the Irwell and Irk rivers in north Manchester, plus the Manchester Ship Canal. It stretches as far as Irlam to the west, Lees to the east, and Middleton and Farnworth to the north.
The latest update from from the Environment Agency says: “Flooding is possible on December 9, 2025. River levels will be high from 00:00 until 15:00.
Flood alerts and warnings issued in England(Image: Environment Agency)
“Flooding is possible at low lying land and roads near the Rivers Irwell, Irk and Medlock, Wince and Worsley Brooks and their tributaries. We are monitoring rainfall and river levels.
“Avoid using low lying footpaths and any bridges near local watercourses. Do not attempt to walk or drive through flood water.”
Meanwhile, a second amber flood alert in Greater Manchester covers the Upper River Irwell catchment including parts of Oldham, Bolton, Rochdale and Ramsbottom, plus Haslingden and Rawtenstall in east Lancashire. The Environment Agency has issued the same advice in these areas, with the river levels also expected to be high until 3pm.
Three further flood alerts are in force across Lancashire and one close to the Welsh border in Cheshire. More than 20 have been issued across Yorkshire and more than a dozen in Cumbria.
Of the 32 red flood warnings, most are in the South West. Three have been issued in the York area, while one has been issued in Keswick, Cumbria.
The Met Office’s weather warnings for Storm Bram(Image: Met Office)
Three yellow Met Office weather warnings for rain are in force across the UK today – including one for northern parts of Greater Manchester until 3pm – plus two more severe amber warnings in the South West and South Wales. Four yellow weather warnings are also in force for strong winds, plus an amber warning in north-west Scotland.