Weekend downpours caused the River Irwell to burst its banks, leaving many residents in Ramsbottom having to evacuate their homes.
More than 100 flood alerts and warnings were issued around the UK, with winds of up to 82mph recorded across parts of the country on Saturday and Sunday.
Many residents and homes were affected in Ramsbottom, Radcliffe and areas of Bolton, and into Lancashire, with Haslingden Tesco having to shut due to flooded aisles.
There were treacherous conditions on Manchester Road on the border of Ramsbottom and Walmersley and many businesses closed because of the weather. The Irwell reached 2.33 metres near Stubbins.
At Nuttall Park in Ramsbottom (pictured below), fences were ripped down by the rain, causing damaging to fences and newly installed playground equipment. A hut, used to serve hot drinks and housing toilet facilities, was half underwater.
Councillor Gareth Staples-Jones thanked local residents for sending in reports of flooding, as he tried to keep the community updated on facebook. A clean-up operation was underway on Sunday.
Events across Greater Manchester and Lancashire were also cancelled, with 90s boy band East 17 set to turn on the Christmas lights in Rawtenstall. Switch-ons in Romiley and Alderley Edge were also cancelled, while Tatton Park’s Yuletide event was also closed.
Image credit: Jo Brickell Haggan
