Several rain alerts and flood warnings have been issued across the UK this week as Storm Christoph approaches.
The Met Office has issued an amber warning for heavy rain and flooding in parts of Yorkshire and the Humber, the North West – including Greater Manchester – East Midlands, and the east of England, with other areas including Leeds, Sheffield, Wakefield, Lincoln, Nottingham, Leicester and Peterborough also set to experience torrential down pours.
According to the Met Office – which continuously updates its weather warnings online – “heavy rainfall combined with some snowmelt across the hills is likely to lead to flooding.”
The amber alert continues continues: “Rain developing during Monday persists into Wednesday and Thursday… [and] rain will be heaviest and most persistent across western facing hills”, also adding that: “Strong winds will accompany the rain at times and may add to travelling difficulties across higher and more exposed routes.”
Up to 70mm of rain is forecast to fall within 48 hours in some of the worst-hit areas.
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The Environment Agency has issued 11 severe flood warnings in place, as well as 67 flood alerts.
The Met Office defines the amber weather warning as:
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Homes and businesses are likely to be flooded, causing damage to some buildings.
Fast flowing or deep floodwater is likely, causing danger to life.
Delays and some cancellations to train and bus services are likely.
Spray and flooding probably leading to difficult driving conditions and some road closures.
A good chance some communities cut off by flooded roads.
Power cuts and loss of other services to some homes and businesses likely.
Speaking ahead of the arrival of Storm Christoph this week, Dan Suri – Chief Meteorologist at the Met Office – said: “Following a cold spell where the main hazard was snow, our focus now turns to notably heavy rain moving across the UK this week.
“Some locations could see over 100mm of rain falling through the course just a couple of days with up to 200mm possible over higher ground.
“These amounts of rainfall along with snow melt present a real threat of flooding and people should keep a close eye on flood warnings from the Environment Agency and Natural Resources Wales.”
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The amber alert for Greater Manchester is currently in place for Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday this week, starting from 6am today (19th January) until 12pm on Thursday (21st January).
Separate yellow warnings also cover Northern Ireland, Wales, southern Scotland and the rest of England.
You can find further details regarding the flood warnings issued across the region on the gov.uk website, and more information can also be found via the Met Office.
News
Manchester-born Lord of the Rings and Titanic actor Bernard Hill dies aged 79
Danny Jones
Manchester actor, best known for roles in Lord of the Rings, Titanic, Shirley Valentine and more, has sadly died at the age of 79.
Born in Blackley near the River Irk, historically part of Lancashire, the familiar British face who often popped up in Hollywood too famously played Théoden, the King of Rohan, in the original trilogy of fantasy films as well as Captain Edward Smith in Titanic.
His death was announced by his agent Lou Coulson via the BBC, who confirmed that he passed away in the early hours of Sunday morning.
A statement from his family is expected soon and tributes are already pouring in online.
Hill studied at what is now the Manchester School of Theatre, formerly known as the Polytechnic School of Theatre and also went on to appear in the much-loved BBC drama by Alan Bleasdale, Boys from the Blackstuff, back in 1982.
Playing the character of Yosser Hughes – best-known for the line “gizza a job” – the show went on to be awarded a BAFTA for best drama series in 1983 and was ranked as the seventh best TV show ever made on a 2000 round-up by the British Film Institute
He was also due for a big return to TV screens in series two of another BBC hit, The Responder starring Martin Freeman, which begins airing at 9pm this Sunday.
Stuart Everett – family of man whose torso was found in Kersal Dale pay tribute to ‘endearing character’
Daisy Jackson
The family of the man whose torso was found in Kersal Dale in Salford have paid tribute to him after his ‘untimely death’.
After the torso of Stuart Everett was discovered on 4 April, further parts of his body were found in four different areas of the city.
GMP launched an extensive murder inquiry and a huge search effort to correctly identify Stuart and notify his family of his death.
It’s thought the 67-year-old died at an address in Winton at the end of March.
His family have now issued a tribute to his ‘endearing character’ and thanked the public for their messages of support.
In a statement issued through GMP, they said: “We as a family are united in our grief over the devastating news of Stuart’s untimely death and the manner in which he died.
“He was a unique and endearing character who always put his family and many friends first.
“He loved his food his garden his music and a flutter on the horses, we have been overwhelmed with the messages of support and are thankful that so many people thought so much of him.
“He did not deserve to die the way he did and will be eternally missed. R.I.P.”
Two men have been charged with the murder of Stuart Everett.
The searches across Salford at sites at Blackleach Reservoir, Linneyshaw Colliery Wood, Bridgewater Canal, and a house in the Winton area of the city, as well as a warehouse in Bury, are continuing.
GMP is continuing to receive details from the public that may assist these searches. Any further information should be given by calling 101 and quoting log number 2695 of 4 April 2024.
If you would like to remain anonymous, details can be shared via the independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111.