A major incident has been declared as severe flooding inundates Greater Manchester, disrupting New Year's celebrations across the region. On January 1, 2025, heavy rain resulted in substantial flood alerts, with significant impacts reported throughout cities such as Stockport, Bolton, and Wigan.
Following overnight rainfall, Greater Manchester Police announced the declaration of the major incident due to widespread flooding. Areas particularly affected include Didsbury, Harpurhey, and Stalybridge, leaving residents marooned and local infrastructure crippled. The Met Office previously issued amber and yellow weather warnings for rain, advising against travel as conditions worsened.
Residents living near the River Mersey witnessed record water levels, with the river rising to 3.71 meters (12 feet) at Northenden. Flooding led to many roads being closed, including major thoroughfares like the M56 and A555, creating travel chaos as motorists struggled to navigate submerged routes.
Among the communities severely affected was Stockport, where residents of the Meadow Mill apartments became trapped due to floodwaters reaching the first floor. Helen Scott, who lives there, recounted her experience: "I returned to find myself having to wade through knee-deep water. Can't get in, can't get out, the fire brigade are here. They're currently using a boat to bring some fresh water..." Her situation is echoed by many, with emergency services conducting rescue operations across the region.
Firefighters were deployed around the clock as calls flooded in reporting submerged homes and stranded vehicles. Trains going to and from Manchester Airport and those traveling between Manchester and Liverpool faced cancellations and disruptions, leading TransPennine Express to urge customers to postpone travel until at least noon.
The emergency response teams include local councils and fire services actively assisting communities. According to Chief Superintendent Colette Rose from Greater Manchester Police, their coordinated response aims to keep citizens safe amid challenging conditions. She stated, “Anyone affected should check updates from their local councils and the fire service.”
Severe flooding also wreaked havoc on the public transport system. The Metrolink services were suspended on multiple routes due to waterlogged tracks, turning the morning commute for many residents chaotic. Those relying on buses found extensive route cancellations and alterations as various roads became impassable.
Speaking about the broader impact, the Bee Network noted significant disruptions not only to public transport but also to road access, causing major inconveniences for drivers, many of whom were forced to abandon their vehicles.
Beyond Stockport, reports indicated flooding extended to areas like Ormskirk and Warrington. First responders reported their efforts to rescue stranded individuals from vehicles caught by rising waters. The Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service rescued three people from cars on entwined roads, utilizing rescue rafts to reach those trapped.
Photo evidence surfaced on social media platforms, illustrating submerged streets and homes, with residents voicing their astonishment over the severity of the floods. One resident commented, "Never seen it so high" as images showed waters overflowing across parks and residential areas.
By midday, conditions were expected to remain perilous, with the Met Office warning of more rain on top of already saturated grounds. They forecasted temperatures to drop, leading to fears of ice forming on untreated roads, compounding hazards for travel.
Local football matches were called off as clubs assessed the grounds damaged by heavy rainfall. Events scheduled for New Year's Day faced cancellations, reflecting the mood across the community as residents took stock of the situation.
With the weather remaining unpredictable, residents are urged to stay vigilant and prepared for potential evacuations and emergency measures. Authorities continue to monitor water levels closely, and the Environment Agency dispatched teams to key rivers to assess risk and manage flood defenses.
Despite the challenges presented by the flooding, community spirit appeared unbroken. Residents rallied together to share resources, information, and mutual aid, aiming to support those affected by the calamity. Many expressed solidarity with neighbors during this difficult start to the New Year.
The transformation from celebratory festivities on New Year’s Eve to dealing with recovery efforts serves as a stark reminder of nature’s unpredictability and the need for community resilience.