Flood Warnings as Storm Christoph threatens North West

An Amber weather warning has been issued around Greater Manchester with threats of Storm Christoph causing heavy rain over the next 48 hours.

The hashtag ‘Storm Christoph’ is being used on Twitter in order to warn and advise the public.

Assistant Chief Constable Nick Bailey, Chair of the GM Strategic Coordination Group for Storm Christoph said: “We are aware that Storm Christoph is due to reach the North West tomorrow and I want to reassure the public that we are working alongside other agencies across the region – including local authorities and emergency services – to ensure that Greater Manchester is as prepared as possible.”

⚠️ ⚠️ Storm Christoph has been named, with heavy rain and flooding likely on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday ⚠️ ⚠️#StormChristoph#WeatherAware pic.twitter.com/LHKYniBkfi

— Met Office (@metoffice) January 18, 2021

Mr Bailey has also advised that people do not travel unless it is “absolutely necessary and to take great care when using the roads”.

According to the Met Office’s Twitter feed, the heavy rainfall is likely to take place on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

The Gov.UK website has issued a flood alert, with the Lower River Irwell at risk, which is in the catchment area with Greater Manchester.

It is likely that flood alerts will be issued this evening so that everyone has time to prepare for potential flooding.

If anyone is concerned about flooding you should contact your local authority, but in an emergency always call 999.

GM Strategic Coordination Group say they will be giving updates as often as possible.