Flood alerts around River Irwell in Bolton and Bury

The Met Office issued the amber warning on the morning of Monday December 15 for heavy rain across much of North West England.

The Environment Agency has also issued flood alerts for the upper River Irwell area, which could affect Farnworth, Whitefield, Little Lever, Radcliffe, Bury, Heywood, Whitworth and Bacup.

Environment Agency flood duty manager Jonathan Day said: “Significant surface water flooding impacts are possible in parts of the North of England on Saturday, Sunday and Monday.

“There are also possible significant river flooding impacts in parts of the North of England on Sunday and Monday, with minor flooding impacts possible more widely across northern England over the weekend.

“Environment Agency teams are out on the ground, taking action to reduce the impact of flooding and support those communities affected.

“We urge people not to drive though flood water, it is often deeper than it looks and just 30cm of flowing water is enough to float your car. 

The agency says that flooding is possible from the early hours of December 15 2025. 

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Locations most affected will be low lying land and roads around the Rivers Beal, Roch and Croal, Limy Water and their tributaries. 

The Environment Agency says they are monitoring rainfall and river levels. 

They have advised people to avoid using low lying footpaths and any bridges near local watercourses and to not attempt to walk or drive through flood water.