Residents near Manchester river told to 'act now' as flood warning issued

Residents living near a river in Manchester have been urged to 'act now' as flooding is expected this afternoon.

The water levels at the River Irk are 'expected to cause flooding this afternoon', the Environment Agency said. The river runs through Cheetham Hill at Dantzic Street and up to Collyhurst Road.

Residents who live in the area covered by the river's flood warning have been urged to closely monitor the situation and take precautions. The Environment Agency said: "Rising river levels are expected to cause flooding this afternoon.

READ NEXT: Met Office issues new heavy rain and flooding warning for Greater Manchester

"Flooding is forecast to affect locations near the River Irk, with low lying land and roads expected to be most affected, particularly around properties adjacent to the River Irk. We are closely monitoring the situation and monitoring rainfall and river levels.

"Avoid using low lying footpaths and any bridges near local watercourses. Take care and avoid walking, cycling or driving through flood water."

Areas at risk including properties next to the River Irk from Cheetham Hill Junction to Victoria Station. This includes Collyhurst Road, Roger Street and Scotland Bridge.

The warning has been issued as more heavy rain is set to fall this afternoon and into the early hours of tomorrow. A yellow rain warning remains in force covering Greater Manchester until 8pm tonight.

Met Office forecasters previously warned that the rain is 'expected to cause flooding and disruption'. The showers are likely to cause issues on the roads, with some bus and train travel also expected to be affected.

"A spell of persistent and at times heavy rain is expected to affect northeast Wales and northwest England during Monday before easing on Monday night", the Met Office said. "20-40 mm of rain is expected to fall quite widely with a few places seeing up to 60 mm during the course of the day."

Read more of today's top stories here