The Manchester area has been hit by massive flooding following heavy rainfall.
A storm system in the Atlantic Ocean has brought heavy rainfall. The Met Office says the Manchester area has received more than 90mm of rain in the past 48 hours, more than the monthly average. This extreme wetness was caused by a moisture-laden front moving from the southwest.
The region experienced heavy rainfall in December 2024, causing the soil to become saturated with water. As a result, it lost its ability to absorb further rainfall and rainwater began to accumulate on the surface, increasing the risk of flooding.
The Rivers Irwell and Mersey, which flow through Manchester, reached critical levels. The high water levels caused the rivers to burst their banks, flooding nearby areas and causing dams to fail in some places.
Impact on the city
Flooded properties: Many residential buildings in the areas of Bolton, Didsbury, South Manchester, Harpurhay, North Manchester, Stalybridge, Stockport and Wigan were under water, forcing residents to evacuate their homes.
Disruption to infrastructure: Flooding has caused road closures and disruption to transport links, making it difficult to travel around the city and surrounding areas.
State of emergency declared: Authorities have declared a state of emergency in the Manchester area to mobilise resources and provide assistance to those affected.
Weather forecast for the coming days
According to the Met Office, the weather conditions are expected to improve in the coming days.
Extreme weather: Greater Manchester
Sat 4 Jan 12:00 - Mon 6 Jan 09:00
Yellow warning for snow remains in force from Saturday 12:00 GMT until Monday 09:00 GMT.
Advice for residents
Road safety: Avoid driving through flooded areas and follow local authorities' instructions.
Stay safe at home: When returning to flooded homes, take precautions and ensure there is no risk to life.
Stay informed: Stay updated with the Met Office and local authorities for the latest weather and safety information.
The Manchester flooding highlights the need for effective measures to prevent similar disasters and to improve emergency preparedness.
A yellow snow warning is in place for much of the UK over the weekend, stretching from southern Scotland, across northern England, the Midlands, Wales, over London and across much of the south-east and west
Chief forecaster and ideologist of the weather forecast service Pogodnik. Co-author of scientific articles and specialized content for various online media.
