Flood Alert Info - Lower River Irwell catchment including areas in Greater Manchester
Area Description
The Lower River Irwell catchment also includes the Rivers Irk and Medlock, Wince and Worsley Brooks and their tributaries.
This is a Flood Alert Area. For this area the highest level of flood notification that you will receive is a Flood Alert. No Flood Warnings or Severe Flood Warnings are issued for this area.
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There are no Flood Alerts currently in force for this area. See below for historical flood warnings.
Area Covered by this Flood Alert
The orange highlighted area on the map below outlines the area covered by this Flood Alert.
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Flood Alert History
Number of historic Flood Alerts that have previously been recorded for this area:
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Historical Flood Alerts for this Area
Flood Alert issued on 24 Nov 2024 12:56
River Irwell
River levels are still high, however, are expected to slowly start decreasing throughout today, Sunday 24 November.
Flooding of roads and low lying land is possible, property flooding is not expected.
Areas most at risk include low lying land and roads around the Rivers Irk and Medlock, Wince and Worsley Brooks and their tributaries.
We are closely monitoring the situation and monitoring rainfall and river levels.
Take care and avoid walking, cycling or driving through flood water.
This message will be updated by 1:00 PM on 25/11/2024, or as the situation changes.
Flood Alert issued on 23 Nov 2024 16:43
River Irwell
Rising river levels from now until at least daybreak Sunday morning 24 November 2024 may lead to flooding of low lying land and roads expected to be most affected.
Flooding is forecast to affect locations near the River Irwell, particularly any low lying land and roads around the Rivers Irk and Medlock, Wince and Worsley Brooks and their tributaries.
The flood basins may operate and pedestrians gates will be closed to restrict access to the area. Please adhere to these footpath closures for your safety.
Take care and avoid walking, cycling or driving through flood water.
This message will be updated by 4:00 PM on 24/11/2024, or as the situation changes.
Flood Alert issued on 30 Sep 2024 15:12
River Irwell
Rising river levels throughout the afternoon and into this evening, Monday 30th September 2024 may lead to flooding.
Flooding is forecast to affect locations near the River Irwell, with low lying land and roads expected to be most affected, particularly around low lying land and roads around the Rivers Irk and Medlock, Wince and Worsley Brooks and their tributaries.
We are closely monitoring the situation and monitoring rainfall and river levels.
Take care and avoid walking, cycling or driving through flood water.
This message will be updated by 3:00 PM on 01/10/2024, or as the situation changes.
Flood Alert issued on 2 Jan 2024 10:24
River Irwell
River levels remain high as a result of heavy rainfall which is due to continue throughout today, 02/01/2024.
We believe there is a possibility of flooding for low lying land and roads around the Rivers Irk and Medlock, Wince and Worsley Brooks and their tributaries.
Our incident response staff are closely monitoring weather forecasts and river levels and will update the flood alert if necessary.
Please be aware of your surroundings and keep up to date with the current situation.
This message will be updated as the situation changes.
Flood Alert issued on 1 Jan 2024 17:03
River Irwell
River levels are forecast to rise at the Manchester RC river gauge as a result of heavy rainfall which is due to start shortly today 01/01/2024.
We believe there is a possibility of flooding for low lying land and roads around the Rivers Irk and Medlock, Wince and Worsley Brooks and their tributaries.
Our incident response staff are closely monitoring weather forecasts and river levels and will update the flood alert if necessary.
Please be aware of your surroundings and keep up to date with the current situation.
This message will be updated by 10:00am tomorrow 02/01/2024, or as the situation changes.
Flood Alert issued on 26 Dec 2023 17:05
River Irwell
River levels are forecast to rise at the Manchester RC river gauge as a result of heavy rainfall which will start from around midnight tonight 26/12/2023, till tomorrow afternoon, 27/12/2023.
We believe there is a possibility of flooding for low lying land and roads around the Rivers Irk and Medlock, Wince and Worsley Brooks and their tributaries.
Our incident response staff are closely monitoring weather forecasts and river levels and will update the flood alert if necessary.
Please be aware of your surroundings and keep up to date with the current situation.
This message will be updated by 10:00am on 27/12/2023, or as the situation changes.
Flood Alert issued on 9 Dec 2023 14:35
River Irwell
Rainfall is forecast across the Irwell catchment throughout Saturday and into Sunday 10/12/2023. The heaviest of the rain will occur early this evening from around 5pm until around midnight. Flooding of low lying land and roads is possible from around 11pm on 9/12/23.
River levels are remaining high on the River Irwell due to rainfall.
Areas most at risk include low lying land and roads around the Rivers Irk and Medlock, Wince and Worsley Brooks and their tributaries.
Our duty officer are closely monitoring the situation and will update you when the forecast changes. Our operational teams are out clearing debris screens to minimise potential blockages and flow restriction.
This message will be updated on 10/12/2023, or as the situation changes.
Flood Alert issued on 23 Jul 2023 17:03
River Irwell
River levels are remaining high on the River Irwell due to persistent rainfall. No property flooding is expected. Flooding is possible at low lying land and roads around the Rivers Irk and Medlock, Wince and Worsley Brooks and their tributaries. We will continue to monitor the forecast and re-issue this alert if necessary. Avoid using low lying footpaths and any bridges near local watercourses and do not attempt to walk or drive through flood water. This message will be updated by 11:00 am on 24/07/2023, or as the situation changes.
Flood Alert issued on 23 Jul 2023 08:51
River Irwell
River levels are rising on the River Irwell due to persistent rainfall. No property flooding is expected. Flooding is possible at low lying land and roads around the Rivers Irk and Medlock, Wince and Worsley Brooks and their tributaries from 09:00 AM on 23/07/2023. We will continue to monitor the forecast and re-issue this alert if necessary. Avoid using low lying footpaths and any bridges near local watercourses and do not attempt to walk or drive through flood water. This message will be updated by 17:00 PM on 23/07/2023, or as the situation changes.
Flood Alert issued on 22 Jul 2023 18:11
River Irwell
River levels are forecast to rise on the River Irwell due to heavy rainfall.
No property flooding is expected.
Flooding is possible at low lying land and roads around the Rivers Irk and Medlock, Wince and Worsley Brooks and their tributaries from 07:00 AM on 23/07/2023.
We will continue to monitor the forecast and re-issue this alert if necessary.
Avoid using low lying footpaths and any bridges near local watercourses and do not attempt to walk or drive through flood water.
This message will be updated by 09:00 AM on 23/07/2023, or as the situation changes.
Flood Alert issued on 18 Jun 2023 16:24
River Irwell
This message has been issued pre-emptively ahead of localised thunderstorms expected between 17:00 and 22:00 on 18/06/23 and with further rainfall expected Monday afternoon. Small, flashier rivers and streams may respond to heavy rainfall. Given the unpredictable nature of thunderstorms, there is low confidence in the locations and impacts of rainfall at this point. Areas most at risk are low lying agricultural land, roads and footpaths close to small rivers and streams. Water levels could rise rapidly and potentially generate deep, fast flows. We are closely monitoring the situation. Our incident response staff are monitoring watercourses in the area. Please plan driving routes to avoid low-lying roads near rivers, which may be flooded and see the GOV.UK website for a 5 day flood forecast. This message will be updated as the situation changes. Follow @envagencyNW on Twitter for information for your area.
Flood Alert issued on 10 Jan 2023 14:20
River Irwell
Flooding is possible in this area.
Monitor local water levels and weather conditions. Avoid using low lying footpaths or entering areas prone to flooding. Start acting on your flood plan if you have one.
The Environment Agency Flood Warning System has issued this message based on rising river or tidal levels.
We are temporarily automating our messages due to industrial action.
Flood Alert issued on 20 Feb 2022 23:43
River Irwell
River levels have risen on the River Irwell due to heavy rainfall. Flooding is forecast to affect locations near the River Irwell, particularly around low lying land and roads around the Rivers Irk and Medlock, Wince and Worsley Brooks and their tributaries throughout the night and into the morning on 21/02/2022. We will continue to monitor the forecast and re-issue this alert if necessary. Avoid using low lying footpaths and any bridges near local watercourses and do not attempt to walk or drive through flood water. This message will be updated by 11:00 AM on 21/02/2022, or as the situation changes.
Flood Alert issued on 19 Feb 2022 18:27
River Irwell
River levels are forecast to rise on the River Irwell due to heavy rainfall.
Flooding is forecast to affect locations near the River Irwell, particularly around low lying land and roads around the Rivers Irk and Medlock, Wince and Worsley Brooks and their tributaries from 07:30 AM on 20/02/2022.
We will continue to monitor the forecast and re-issue this alert/warning if necessary.
Avoid using low lying footpaths and any bridges near local watercourses and do not attempt to walk or drive through flood water.
This message will be updated by 11:00 AM on 20/02/2022, or as the situation changes.
Flood Alert issued on 30 Dec 2021 15:34
River Irwell
River levels are rising on the River Irwell as a result of persistent rainfall. Consequently, flooding of low lying land, roads and farmland is possible today,30/12/2021. We believe there is a possibility of flooding for low lying land and roads around the Rivers Irk and Medlock, Wince and Worsley Brooks and their tributaries.. Further rainfall is forecast this afternoon and throughout the evening. Our incident response staff are closely monitoring weather forecasts and river levels and will issue flood warnings if necessary. Avoid using low lying footpaths and any bridges near local watercourses and do not attempt to walk or drive through flood water.This message will be updated tomorrow morning, 31/12/2021, or as the situation changes.
Flood Alert issued on 1 Nov 2021 12:10
River Irwell
River levels are rising on the River Irwell due to heavy rainfall. Flooding is possible at low lying land and roads around the Rivers Irk and Medlock, Wince and Worsley Brooks and their tributaries today, on Monday 1 November 2021. Further heavy rainfall is forecast today, on 1/11/2021. Avoid using low lying footpaths and any bridges near local watercourses, and do not attempt to walk or drive through flood water. Our incident response staff are closely monitoring the situation. This message will be updated in 8 hours, or as the situation changes.
Flood Alert issued on 20 Jan 2021 08:47
River Irwell
A prolonged period of heavy rain associated with Storm Christoph has caused river levels to rise at the Manchester Racecourse river gauge and consequently flooding of property or roads and farmland is possible. We believe there is a possibility of flooding for low lying land and roads around the Rivers Irk and Medlock, Wince and Worsley Brooks and their tributaries. Further rainfall is forecast over the next 48 hours and we expect river levels to remain high until Friday. Our incident response staff are closely monitoring weather forecasts and river levels and will issue flood warnings if necessary. Please avoid using low lying footpaths near local watercourses, be aware of your surroundings, and keep up to date with the current situation. This message will be updated tomorrow, Thursday 21/01/2021, or as the situation changes.
Flood Alert issued on 19 Jan 2021 17:24
River Irwell
A prolonged period of heavy rain associated with Storm Christoph will cause river levels to rise at the Manchester Racecourse river gauge and consequently flooding of property or roads and farmland is possible. We believe there is a possibility of flooding for low lying land and roads around the Rivers Irk and Medlock, Wince and Worsley Brooks and their tributaries. Further rainfall is forecast over the next 48 hours and we expect river levels to remain high until Friday. Our incident response staff are closely monitoring weather forecasts and river levels and will issue flood warnings if necessary. Please avoid using low lying footpaths near local watercourses, be aware of your surroundings, and keep up to date with the current situation. This message will be updated tomorrow, Wednesday 20th January, or as the situation changes.
Flood Alert issued on 18 Jan 2021 19:40
River Irwell
A prolonged period of heavy rain from the evening of Monday 18th to Wednesday 20th January will cause river levels to rise at the Manchester Racecourse river gauge and consequently flooding of property or roads and farmland is possible. We believe there is a possibility of flooding for low lying land and roads around the Rivers Irk and Medlock, Wince and Worsley Brooks and their tributaries. Further rainfall is forecast over the next 48 hours. We expect river levels to remain high over the next couple of days and due to peak in the early hours of Wednesday 20th January. Our incident response staff are closely monitoring weather forecasts and river levels and will issue flood warnings if necessary.
Please avoid using low lying footpaths near local watercourses, be aware of your surroundings, and keep up to date with the current situation. This message will be updated tomorrow, Tuesday 20th January, or as the situation changes.
Flood Alert issued on 1 Nov 2020 17:45
River Irwell
River levels are rising at the Manchester RC river gauge as a result of heavy rainfall. Consequently, flooding of low lying land, roads and farmland is possible between 2:00am today and into tomorrow morning, the 2nd November 2020. We believe there is a possibility of flooding for low lying land and roads around the Rivers Irk and Medlock, Wince and Worsley Brooks and their tributaries.
Further rainfall is forecast over the next 12 hours, however some of this rainfall could see intense downpours.
Our incident response staff are closely monitoring weather forecasts and river levels and will issue flood warnings if necessary.
Please avoid using low lying footpaths near local watercourses and be aware of your surroundings and keep up to date with the current situation.
This message will be updated tomorrow morning, 02/11/2020, or as the situation changes.
Flood Alert issued on 29 Oct 2020 19:44
River Irwell
River levels have risen at the Manchester RC river gauge as a result of persistent heavy rainfall. We believe there is a possibility of flooding for low lying land and roads around the Rivers Irk and Medlock, Wince and Worsley Brooks and their tributaries. We expect river levels to peak later this evening on 29/10/20 and then start to decrease tomorrow morning. Our incident response staff are closely monitoring weather forecasts and river levels and will issue further updates if necessary, Please be aware of your surroundings and keep up to date with the current situation.
This message will be updated tomorrow morning, 30/10/20, or as the situation changes.
Flood Alert issued on 6 Oct 2020 16:01
River Irwell
As a result of heavy persistent rainfall, river levels have been rising throughout the day in the lower Irwell catchment and flooding of low lying land is possible in this area. River levels will continue to rise over the coming hours and are expected to peak around 17:00pm today 06/10/2020. We are currently not expecting to issue flood warnings within the Lower Irwell catchment. Our incident response staff are closely monitoring weather forecasts and river levels and will issue further flood alerts if necessary. Please be aware of your surroundings and keep up to date with the current situation. This message will be updated tomorrow morning, or as the situation changes.
Flood Alert issued on 10 Mar 2020 10:13
River Irwell
River levels are remaining steady as a result of the recent rainfall, we expect levels to begin falling later this afternoon, however further showers are forecast for over the coming days. Consequently, we believe there is a possibility of flooding for low lying land and roads around the Rivers Irwell, Irk, Medlock and Worsley Brooks and their tributaries. Our incident response staff are closely monitoring weather forecasts and river levels and will issue flood warnings if necessary. Please be aware of your surroundings and keep up to date with the current situation. This message will be updated by 10:00 on 11/3/20, or as the situation changes.
Flood Alert issued on 9 Mar 2020 17:38
River Irwell
River levels are rising and will continue to rise throughout the evening and through the night. Further rainfall is forecast for the rest of the evening until tomorrow afternoon (10/3/20). Consequently, we believe there is a possibility of flooding for low lying land and roads around the Rivers Irwell, Irk, Medlock and Worsley Brooks and their tributaries.
We expect river levels to reach flood alert in the early hours of the morning on 10/3/20 and levels will remain high throughout the day (10/3/20).
Our incident response staff are closely monitoring weather forecasts and river levels and will issue flood warnings if necessary.
Please be aware of your surroundings and keep up to date with the current situation.
This message will be updated by 10:00 on 10/3/20, or as the situation changes.
Flood Alert issued on 24 Feb 2020 12:34
River Irwell
River levels are rising at the Manchester RC river gauge as a result of heavy rainfall. Consequently, flooding of low lying land, roads and farmland is possible until later tonight, 24/02/2020. We believe there is a possibility of flooding for low lying land and roads around the Rivers Irk and Medlock, Wince and Worsley Brooks and their tributaries. Our incident response staff are closely monitoring weather forecasts and river levels. Please be aware of your surroundings and keep up to date with the current situation. This message will be updated as the situation changes.
Flood Alert issued on 16 Feb 2020 07:11
River Irwell
River levels are rising at the Manchester RC river gauge as a result of persistent heavy rainfall from Storm Dennis. Consequently, flooding of low lying land, roads and farmland is possible today, 16/02/20, around the Rivers Irk and Medlock, Wince and Worsley Brooks and their tributaries.
Our incident response staff are closely monitoring weather forecasts and river levels and will issue flood warnings if necessary.
Please be aware of your surroundings and keep up to date with the current situation.
This message will be updated in 8 hours or as the situation changes.
Flood Alert issued on 9 Feb 2020 17:34
River Irwell
River levels are now falling on the Lower Irwell catchment. However, we believe there is still a possibility of further flooding for low lying land and roads around the Rivers Irk and Medlock, Wince and Worsley Brooks and their tributaries. Our incident response staff are closely monitoring weather forecasts and river levels and will issue further updates as necessary. Please be aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with the current situation and avoid using low lying footpaths near local watercourses. This message will be updated as the situation changes.
Flood Alert issued on 9 Feb 2020 09:19
River Irwell
River levels are forecast to rise at the Manchester RC river gauge as a result of heavy rainfall. Consequently, flooding of low lying land, roads and farmland is possible this afternoon, the 9th February 2020. We believe there is a possibility of flooding for low lying land and roads around the Rivers Irk and Medlock, Wince and Worsley Brooks and their tributaries. We expect river levels to peak around 12:45pm on 09/02/20. Our incident response staff are closely monitoring weather forecasts and river levels and will issue further flood warnings if necessary. Please be aware of your surroundings and keep up to date with the current situation. This message will be updated in 8 hours, or as the situation changes.