STORM FRANKLIN - SEVERE FLOOD WARNING STOOD DOWN FOR THE RIVER MERSEY AT WEST DIDSBURY AND NORTHENDEN

The Environment Agency has removed the Severe Flood Warning for the River Mersey following intensive efforts overnight to manage flood waters around the Didsbury Basin. 

A Flood Alert remains in place in the Disbury and Northenden areas and this is likely going to remain in place through the week as inclement weather continues and while the Didsbury Flood Basin is able to fully drain. 

Skilled management of the basin meant that no formal evacuation of homes was required.

 Residents who do need to travel today should take extra care. River levels remain high and road closures may still be in place. 

Check travel information before you travel: https://tfgm.com/storm-franklin

Cllr Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council, said:

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"It is welcome relief that the Severe Flood Warning has now been removed for the River Mersey around West Didsbury and Northenden. However, a Flood Alert remains in place and will do most likely through the week until the flood basin in Didsbury empties. We're also expecting continued wet weather in the coming days and a Met Office weather warning is still in place. So please be careful if you need to travel today and through the week.

Thankfully, because of the skilled management of the flood defences on the River Mersey, major flooding and formal evacuations have been avoided, but as the weather remains unsettled there will likely be disruption on our roads and transport routes, so make sure you check the relevant websites before you travel, take care and give yourself extra time. 

"We owe a huge debt of thanks to staff at the Environment Agency, emergency services and volunteers who have worked with Council staff overnight to monitor the risk of flooding and keep us safe. Water levels look to be falling but this will remain under review for the next few days, so keep an eye on information from the Council and emergency services."