A major incident has been declared in Greater Manchester after widespread flooding struck across the region on New Year's Day.
Greater Manchester Police said Bolton, Didsbury, Harpurhey, Stalybridge, Stockport and Wigan were the worst-affected areas, with mountain rescue teams deployed to assist emergency services.
Parts of the region have seen more than 80mm of rain fall in just 24 hours, leading to record-high river levels and numerous evacuations.
Emergency services have been responding to a high number of flood-related calls, with residents trapped in homes and vehicles requiring rescue.
In Didsbury, a person had to be rescued and a car was submerged after sluice gates were opened at Fletcher Moss Park, where the River Mersey reached its highest ever level.
At Meadow Mill in Stockport, residents reported being trapped as lower floors and the car park flooded, with the building only accessible by boat.
In Broadbottom, Tameside, locals said a wall collapsed onto cars before water gushed into houses.
Those living near the Micker Brook in Cheadle reported roads submerged and homes flooded, with water reaching two feet deep in some properties. Several families were forced to evacuate.
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Transport networks across Greater Manchester have been severely disrupted, with authorities advising against all but essential travel.
TransPennine Express urged customers not to travel before noon, citing "significant issues" in Greater Manchester and Cheshire.
No trains are running between Manchester Airport and city centre stations, or between Manchester and Liverpool Lime Street.
The M57 is closed in both directions between Kirkby and Aintree, while flooding has shut the westbound M56 between Manchester Airport and Bowdon.
The A555 Airport Relief Road in Stockport was also closed after several vehicles became stranded.
Greater Manchester Police's Chief Superintendent Colette Rose said: "Following events overnight a major incident has been declared. This is to ensure we can continue to keep people safe through a co-ordinated effort from our collective emergency services, supported by key partner agencies."
She urged affected residents to check details shared by their local council, fire service and Transport for Greater Manchester for support and information about road closures.
"It is advised to travel if it is only necessary and to take care if out and about," she added.
Officers and fire service personnel are stationed in key locations to provide urgent assistance.
The Met Office had issued an amber warning for rain across Lancashire and Greater Manchester until 9am today, with a yellow warning covering parts of Merseyside and Cheshire until 1am.
A total of 55 flood warnings requiring immediate action are in place across the region, alongside 15 flood alerts indicating possible flooding.
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Greater Manchester Police said Bolton, Didsbury, Harpurhey, Stalybridge, Stockport and Wigan were the worst-affected areas, with mountain rescue teams deployed to assist emergency services.
Parts of the region have seen more than 80mm of rain fall in just 24 hours, leading to record-high river levels and numerous evacuations.
Emergency services have been responding to a high number of flood-related calls, with residents trapped in homes and vehicles requiring rescue.
In Didsbury, a person had to be rescued and a car was submerged after sluice gates were opened at Fletcher Moss Park, where the River Mersey reached its highest ever level.
At Meadow Mill in Stockport, residents reported being trapped as lower floors and the car park flooded, with the building only accessible by boat.
In Broadbottom, Tameside, locals said a wall collapsed onto cars before water gushed into houses.
Those living near the Micker Brook in Cheadle reported roads submerged and homes flooded, with water reaching two feet deep in some properties. Several families were forced to evacuate.
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Transport networks across Greater Manchester have been severely disrupted, with authorities advising against all but essential travel.
TransPennine Express urged customers not to travel before noon, citing "significant issues" in Greater Manchester and Cheshire.
No trains are running between Manchester Airport and city centre stations, or between Manchester and Liverpool Lime Street.
The M57 is closed in both directions between Kirkby and Aintree, while flooding has shut the westbound M56 between Manchester Airport and Bowdon.
The A555 Airport Relief Road in Stockport was also closed after several vehicles became stranded.
Greater Manchester Police's Chief Superintendent Colette Rose said: "Following events overnight a major incident has been declared. This is to ensure we can continue to keep people safe through a co-ordinated effort from our collective emergency services, supported by key partner agencies."
She urged affected residents to check details shared by their local council, fire service and Transport for Greater Manchester for support and information about road closures.
"It is advised to travel if it is only necessary and to take care if out and about," she added.
Officers and fire service personnel are stationed in key locations to provide urgent assistance.
The Met Office had issued an amber warning for rain across Lancashire and Greater Manchester until 9am today, with a yellow warning covering parts of Merseyside and Cheshire until 1am.
A total of 55 flood warnings requiring immediate action are in place across the region, alongside 15 flood alerts indicating possible flooding.
Find Out More...