Forecasters have posted three flood alerts across Greater Manchester as Storm Bella wreaks havoc in parts of the country.
People in communities in Trafford, Stockport and Tameside close to the River Mersey valley and also residents in Oldham, Bolton and Rochdale in the River Irk catchment have been urged to be prepared for possible flooding.
Met Office forecasters have warned that Storm Bella could bring 70mph winds and heavy rain to parts of the UK on Saturday, with the worst affected areas across the midlands and the south west.
In Greater Manchester, the Environment Agency has posted three 'flood alerts'.
One covers the middle River Mersey catchment including areas near Bramhall, Stockport, Sale, Altrincham and Urmston.
Forecasters say river levels are forecast to rise at the Brinksway River Gauge this evening and overnight as a result of storm Bella.
"Consequently, flooding of low lying land and roads is possible tonight the 26th December 2020 going into tomorrow the 27th December 2020.
"Flooding is possible to affect low lying land and roads around the area. Please be aware further rainfall is forecast over the next 12 hours.
"Our incident response staff are monitoring river levels, and will issue further update where necessary. Please avoid using low lying footpaths near rivers," says the warning.
The second flood alert in Greater Manchester covers the River Mersey uplands catchment including Hyde, Ashton-under-Lyne, Denton, Stalybridge and Glossop.
It states: "River levels are forecast to rise at the Woolley Bridge Gates River Gauge this evening and overnight as a result of Storm Bella. Consequently, flooding of low lying land and roads is possible tonight the 26th December 2020 going into tomorrow the 27th December 2020."
The third alert concerns the Upper River Irwell catchment, covering Oldham, Bolton, Rochdale, Haslingden, Ramsbottom and Rawtenstall.
The warning states: "River levels are forecast to rise at the Littleborough river gauge as a result of Storm Bella.
"Consequently, flooding of low lying land and roads is possible tonight the 26th December 2020 going into tomorrow the 27th December 2020. Flooding is possible to affect low lying land and roads around the area.
"Please be aware further rainfall is forecast over the next 12 hours.
Storm Bella will bring severe gales and heavy rain to the UK and Ireland on Boxing Day, forecasters have warned.
Winds of up to 70mph are expected in exposed coastal locations of the UK and further downpours are also due, with the Met Office adding 15-25mm is likely to fall in Wales and south-west England, and up to 40-60mm over some hills.
Parts of the country are already sodden after recent wet weather and flooding, with residents in more than 1,300 properties along the River Great Ouse in Bedfordshire advised to leave their homes as water levels rose on Christmas Day.
Further rain is expected on Sunday and Monday and the area is one of three under a severe flood warning, meaning a danger to life, along with the Cogenhoe Mill caravan site and Billing Aquadrome Holiday Park, both on the River Nene in Northamptonshire.
Bella, which follows relatively calm conditions across the UK on Friday with early morning snowfall recorded in some areas, has led to the Met Office issuing an amber wind warning, saying travel could be disrupted for parts of south Wales and across southern England from Saturday night through to Sunday morning.
People have been warned that flying debris could cause injury or be a risk to life, and buildings could be damaged in the storm.
More than 70 properties were left without power on Christmas Day in Cirencester, Gloucestershire, when an electricity substation flooded.
Homes are also at risk of flooding due to heavy rain and council officials have been providing sandbags for those affected.
