Greater Manchester gets new flood warning system

The Environment Agency has expanded its flood warning service across Cheadle, Stockport and the Platt Bridge area of Wigan.

The new flood warnings will cover almost 800 homes and businesses, issuing a warning message when flooding is forecast and again to warn users if impacts are likely.

There are three types of warning: Flood Alert, Flood Warning and Severe Flood Warning.

Residents can sign up for the service for free and can receive notifications via phone call, text or email.

The new flood warning areas have been added as a result of new modelling and data. The new locations include places that flooded over the New Year period.                               

Laila Berry, Flood Resilience Team Leader at the Environment Agency, said: "We know all too well the devastating impact that flooding can have, which is why protecting people and communities is our top priority.  

"Our staff use the latest technology to monitor rainfall, river and tide levels 24 hours a day to forecast flooding.

"The extension of our flood warning service will allow even more people across Stockport, Cheadle and Wigan to take action and stay safe if flooding is likely to occur."