Manchester faces severe flooding as heavy rains submerge streets and homes

Manchester is struggling with flooding after relentless overnight heavy rains

Manchester, known as the "Rainy City," is struggling  with widespread flooding after relentless overnight rainfall submerged streets, stranded vehicles, and forced hundreds to evacuate their homes. A major incident has been declared in the area as emergency services work to mitigate the damage.

Heavy rainfall, amounting to nearly a month's worth in two days, has caused significant disruption across Greater Manchester. Streets are waterlogged, with abandoned vehicles partially submerged, while drone footage captured local workers attempting to unblock drains. The Met Office issued amber and yellow rain warnings across the region, with rainfall exceeding 10cm (4 inches) in some areas.

Floodwaters trapped approximately 400 residents in Stockport's Meadow Mill flats without electricity or running water. Evacuations were carried out, with displaced residents moved to a council refuge center in Reddish. In Didsbury, the River Mersey reached record-high levels of 3.71m (12ft), prompting authorities to prepare for evacuations, although water levels have since begun to recede.

Train services between Manchester Airport and key destinations, including Liverpool and Leeds, were canceled due to waterlogged tracks. The M56 and M57 motorways were also closed due to flooding, adding to the travel chaos. TransPennine Express urged customers not to travel until conditions improved.

The flooding follows a series of severe weather events across the UK, with more than 100 flood warnings issued nationwide. Greater Manchester Police confirmed that emergency rescues were carried out in Warrington and Lymm, where people became trapped in floodwaters.

As conditions persist, forecasters warn that the situation could worsen before it improves, with temperatures expected to drop and snow predicted for the weekend. Authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant and to follow safety guidelines.

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Floods Flooding UK England