Flood warnings as Storm Babet strikes

SANDBAGS were scrambled to residents and flood defences activated as Storm Babet brought torrential rain, driving winds and danger to Greater Manchester.

- PAUL BRITTON

Three official flood 'warnings' were issued in the region by the Environment Agency yesterday - urging residents in areas covered to 'act now' in the face of 'expected' flooding. As of 8pm, they remained in place with water levels on the River Mersey said to be rising and being monitored on an hourly basis.

As major incidents were declared in several counties and three people were killed across the UK, the warnings here covered the Staley and Micklehurst brooks in Mossley, Tameside; the River Mersey at Fletcher Moss and Withington Golf Course and the River Mersey at Cheadle Wood and Ford Lane.

In south Manchester, the warning was in force on land around Parrs Wood High School playing fields, Heaton Mersey Valley Golf Course and Burnage Rugby Club. Land around Withington Golf Club, Didsbury Golf Club and Fletcher Moss Gardens was also covered.

The Environment Agency said of the south Manchester warnings: "River levels are rising on the River Mersey due to Storm Babet.