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Latest updates: Storm Christoph hits the region

Wednesday, 20 January 2021 08:32

By Adam Higgins and Lee Wild @newsintameside

Follow our coverage for flood alerts, weather warnings, travel news and more as Storm Christoph sweeps in.

These are the developments across the High Peak, Tameside and Oldham on Wednesday (20 January)... 

9pm - More scenes from around Tameside

Our photographer has been out and about across the area throughout today showing the heavy rainfall.

Manchester Road in Mossley showed the River Tame swelling to dangerous levels. 

Sheep taking cover in the Dove Stone area. 

Drivers battled their way through floodwater in the Daisy Nook area. 

7.05pm - Major incident declared in Derbyshire 

Derbyshire County Council leader Cllr Barry Lewis says a major incident has been declared in Derbyshire, due to the “widespread and impactful nature” of flooding caused by Storm Christoph. 

7pm - People told not to travel on trains on Wednesday night

Transport for Greater Manchester is asking people to stay at home and avoid travelling unless absolutely essential, as roads and public transport services continue to be impacted by Storm Christoph.

Stephen Rhodes, TfGM’s Customer Director, said: “Please, unless your journey is absolutely essential, stay at home. Due to the severe weather and the risk of flooding we are seeing disruption across the transport network and conditions are due to worsen this evening. If you must travel then take extra care, allow extra time and plan your journey.

"If you are driving please take the condition of the roads into account and be mindful of other drivers. Let’s work together and not put our emergency services and the NHS – who are already working extremely hard due to the Covid-19 pandemic – under any more pressure.”

For more information, go to tfgm.com/travel-updates/weather-warning

Meanwhile, Northern is also advising people across the north west of England not to travel due to increasingly poor conditions following torrential rain across the region.

A number of routes have experienced issues with flooding during the day and several have seen closures and significant disruption. As the rain continues to fall and flood waters rise, flooding is becoming more widespread and Northern say the rail industry is working hard to deal with issues as they arise.

But the rail operator adds that flooding is persisting and it has "become increasingly difficult to operate a reliable service". Flood waters are also affected roads across the region meaning the provision of rail replacement transport is also challenging.

Chris Jackson, Regional Director at Northern, said: “We have worked all day, in conjunction with colleagues from across the industry, to keep our services operating. And, where possible we have supported those services with replacement buses when the flooding meant running trains was impossible.

“Unfortunately the situation is only getting worse and we have had to make the difficult decision to ask our customers not to travel on the Northern rail network in the north west for the rest of today (Wednesday). We will continue to work alongside Network Rail throughout the night to prepare for rail services to resume on Thursday morning, but I urge anyone who needs to make essential journeys tomorrow to allow extra time for travel and to check carefully before setting off.”

For up-to-the-minute information about rail services, visit National Rail Enquiries or @northernassist on Twitter.

6pm - People told to avoid Manor Park in Glossop 

5.30pm - Canal & River Trust pumping water out of Toddbrook Reservoir 

5.15pm - Update from GMP's Assistant Chief Constable 

5pm - Bridge in Stalybridge closed due to 'extremely high water levels' 

4.55pm - Delays on Metrolink network due to flooding 

4.30pm - 'Chaos' in Denshaw 

Heavy traffic has been converging on the Saddleworth village of Denshaw all day, with queues of several miles in each direction and 'chaos' reported on the roads following the earlier closure of the M62 between junction 21 and 22 because of an overturned lorry. 

4.10pm - What to do if your area is flooded

Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham has posted details of what residents in the region can do if they are at risk of flooding. 

4.05pm - Disruption on trains in Tameside with lines blocked 

4pm - Reports of people driving through floodwater in Derbyshire 

Derbyshire County Council say it has received reports of people driving through flood water in some parts of Derbyshire.

The authority is urging people not to attempt it, saying "you could be putting yourself and others at risk. 30cms of water is enough to float a car and you could quickly find yourself in danger. Please stay safe and find an alternative route." 

The latest on flooding and road closures in the county can be found here: https://www.derbyshire.gov.uk/environment/flooding/flooding-update/latest-flood-update.aspx

3.50pm - River Tame gushing through Dukinfield 

Dukinfield councillor John Taylor has posted this video of the River Tame this afternoon. 

3.45pm - Gritting crews to be on standby for possible overnight snow in High Peak

3.30pm - Flooding expected in Whaley Bridge

The Environment Agency had already issued a flood warning for Whaley Bridge and, as the weather continues to worsen, it means flooding is now expected. 

High Peak MP Robert Largan says he is keeping in contact with ministers and the Canal & River Trust, and the situation is being carefully monitored by experts on site. 

In the meantime, he strongly encourages residents in the affected area to carry out the following advice: 

- have a bag ready with vital items like insurance documents and medications in case you need to leave your home

- move vehicles to higher ground if it’s safe to do so

- move family and pets to safety

- move important items upstairs or to a safe place in your property, starting with cherished items and valuables, then furniture and furnishings

- turn off gas, electricity and water supplies if it’s safe to do so; never touch an electrical switch if you’re standing in water

- if you have property protection products such as flood barriers, or air brick covers, use them now

- keep track of the situation here: https://flood-warning-information.service.gov.uk/warnings

3.15pm - Covid test centre closed in Greenfield

2.30pm - River Tame running high 

The River Tame's levels are running high in Mossley and Delph. Both Tameside and Oldham councils say they are monitoring the situation closely. 

2.15pm - Manor Park river levels up  

Dermot Ryan took these pictures at the river in Manor Park in Glossop this afternoon, with the levels rising enough to spill on to the pavement.  

2pm - River Goyt is looking high 

Visit New Mills have taken a video, which you can watch by clicking here, showing the river thundering through New Mills this afternoon.

1.45pm - Flooding in Glossopdale field

A field at the junction of New Road in Tintwistle and the appropriately named Waterside in Hadfield which has began to flood as forecasters warn of more heavy rain to come. Picture by John Parkins.

1.30pm - Disruption on trains between Mossley and Greenfield 

TransPennine Express say trains running between Mossley and Greenfield stations may be subject to disruption, which is expected until around 3pm. 

The rail operator apologises for any inconvenience caused and advises passengers to check their journey for updates here: https://www.journeycheck.com/tpexpress/

1.15pm - Local roads congested as part of M62 still closed

The M62 remains closed between junction 21 for Milnrow and Shaw and Junction 22 for Saddleworth after a lorry overturned earlier, causing a substantial diesel spillage. 

Local roads are congested as a result and people are being told to avoid the area if planning to travel - which is already being advised against. 

Image below courtesy of Highways England. 

1pm - Reports of properties affected in Saddleworth 

Saddleworth councillor Max Woodvine says he's on 'flood watch' along with other colleagues, after reports of properties being affected by flooding in the Uppermill area. Power cuts have also been happening from Diggle to Greenfield. 

12.30pm - Update on Northern services disrupted 

Heavy rain and flooding continue to cause disruption on some routes across the Northern network.

Rail is falling on already sodden ground and has flooded the tracks in many areas, causing delays and cancellations.

The forecast is for persistent rain throughout today (Wednesday) and further flooding is expected.

Weather-related issues are current impacting services on the following routes with trains suspended (updates in bold):

  • Maryport - Carlisle - suspended for remainder of day
  • Skipton - Carlisle - suspended for remainder of day
  • Manchester - Newton le Willows
  • Rotherham Central - all locations suspended for remainder of day
  • Wigan NW - St Helens Central

There is also disruption to services on the following routes (updates in bold):

  • Leeds - Manchester
  • Manchester Victoria - Walsden
  • Sowerby Bridge – Rochdale
  • Salford Crescent – Preston
  • Bradford Interchange - Halifax
  • Hazel Grove – Buxton

Rail replacement buses are in operation on many of the affected routes, though these may also be impacted by the difficult conditions.

A spokesperson for Northern said: “The adverse weather is having a significant impact on our ability to operate services across many parts of the north west. We are working closely with colleagues at Network Rail to get our services up and running as soon as possible. In the meantime, we’re asking customers who need to make essential journeys to check carefully before travelling.

“The difficult conditions are being experienced across a large part of our network and customers planning to travel today should be aware that any journeys could be affected and they should allow extra time for travel.”

For up-to-the-minute information about rail services, visit National Rail Enquiries or @Northernassist on Twitter.

12.05pm - Bridge at Darley Bridge closed 

Derbyshire County Council say it has closed the bridge at Darley Bridge (the B5057) due to very high levels on the River Derwent. 

Find out more here. 

12pm - Council teams monitoring flooding in Tameside

River levels are running high as heavy rain from Storm Christoph sweeps through Tameside.

Tameside Council say its teams continue to be out checking for flooding and clearing gullies, drains and culvert screens.

The authority is advising residents living in a high risk area to be prepared and take steps to protect themselves and their property.

Guidance can be found at https://www.tameside.gov.uk/floodresilience

The images below are courtesy of Tameside Council. 

11.40am - Part of A6 in Buxton closed due to flooding 

11.30am - Only call 999 in an emergency 

A few words of advice from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service. 

11.15am - Advice on driving through floodwater 

11am - Sign up for flood warnings 

If you haven't done already, you can check your flood risk and sign up for flood warnings on the Environment Agency website here: https://flood-warning-information.service.gov.uk/warnings

10.15am - Collision on M62

Traffic has been temporarily stopped on the eastbound carriageway between junction 21 for Milnrow and Shaw and Junction 22 for Saddleworth because of an overturned lorry. 

10am - Wet scenes in Daisy Nook 

Our photographer Nigel Wood has taken these pictures and video of vehicles ploughing through rain water on Stannybrook Road and water gathering at Daisy Nook Country Park in Failsworth, on the border between Tameside and Oldham...

9.45am - Heavy rain and flooding disrupts train services

Heavy rain and flooding is causing disruption on some routes across the Northern network. Rail continues to fall on already sodden ground and has flooded the tracks in many areas, causing delays and cancellations.

The forecast is for persistent rain throughout today (Wednesday) and further flooding is expected.

Weather-related issues are current impacting services on the following routes with trains suspended:

  • Hazel Grove – Buxton
  • Maryport - Carlisle
  • Skipton - Lancaster
  • Manchester Victoria - Walsden
  • Manchester - Newton le Willows
  • Rotherham Central - all locations
  • Wigan North Western - St Helens Central

There is also disruption to services on the following routes:

  • Sowerby Bridge – Rochdale
  • Wigan Wallgate – Southport
  • Salford Crescent – Preston
  • Bradford Interchange - Halifax

A spokesperson for Northern said: “The adverse weather is having a significant impact on our ability to operate services across many parts of the north west. We are working closely with colleagues at Network Rail to get our services up and running as soon as possible. In the meantime, we’re asking customers who need to make essential journeys to check carefully before travelling.

“The difficult conditions are being experienced across a large part of our network and customers planning to travel today should be aware that any journeys could be affected and they should allow extra time for travel.”

For up-to-the-minute information about rail services, visit National Rail Enquiries or @Northernassist on Twitter.

9.15am - 'Drive to the conditions' warning from fire service

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service is urging people to take extra care on the roads and drive to the conditions. 

9am - River levels 'creeping up' in Glossopdale 

According to High Peak Weather, the river levels in Manor Park, Brookfield and High Street in Glossop, as well as the River Etherow in Hadfield and Tintwistle, are slowly creeping up. With the rain expected to be relentless today, they are only expected to keep rising. 

8:45am - Flooding possible in parts of Tameside and Glossop 

The Environment Agency say a prolonged period of heavy rain will continue to cause river levels to rise at the Woolley Bridge Gates river gauge, with flooding of property, roads and farmland possible. They expect river levels to remain high until Friday. 

They added: "Please avoid using low lying footpaths near local watercourses, be aware of your surroundings, and keep up to date with the current situation." 

8:30am - Greater Manchester residents can leave home to evacuate if necessary 

A reminder that Greater Manchester Police declared a major incident on Tuesday evening in anticipation of the impact of Storm Christoph. 

Tameside and Oldham residents have been told they can leave their homes if they need to evacuate amid the risk of flooding, despite the lockdown rules in place, but should "remain very aware" of coronavirus by following government guidance. 

People are being told to only travel if absolutely necessary and take great care on the roads, while those in high-risk flooding areas should remain vigilant and prepare as much as possible. Anyone in danger due to flooding should call 999. 

Read more by clicking here. 

8:15am - Flood alert for Whaley Bridge

A flood warning has been issued for the River Goyt in Whaley Bridge in the High Peak. The Environment Agency say flooding of nearby properties is possible up until 12pm on Thursday and river levels are expected to remain high. 

8:00am - Stream overflows in Hadfield 

These images, taken by John Ashton, show a stream overflowing, close to Waterside in Hadfield. 

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