A 'major flood' has hit part of Bolton amid heavy downpours in the area.
Bolton Council has urged locals to avoid Horwich after water floodwater reached almost 'knee-deep' in some places.
It comes as Bolton battles spiralling coronavirus cases, with the town now the worst Covid hotspot in the UK.
The Environment Agency previously issued a flood warning in Bolton, with experts predicting water levels will remain high until tomorrow.
In a tweet, Bolton Council said: "Major flood at the Beehive roundabout in Horwich - please avoid the area."
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service also urged locals to stay away from the flooding.
The flash flooding has closed streets in the area, with heavy congestion on one of the shut roads.
Emergency service vehicles are blocking cars from entering the flood-stricken roundabout.
Manchester Evening News reporter Tom Molloy said several cars stranded in the floods had to be towed to safety.
He added that the water was almost 'knee-deep' in places.
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service tweeted: "Our crews are currently responding to numerous reports of flooding in the Chorley New Road area of Horwich, Bolton.
"We’re working with @boltoncouncil @gmpolice to tackle it and keep residents safe. Please stay away from the area."
It comes after Bolton suffered a surge of cases of the Indian Covid variant, raising fears the town could be placed on lockdown.
The Mirror yesterday reported how Bolton had become the UK's worst Covid hotspot with an average of 254.9 cases per 100,000 people - more than ten times the national average.
Now the town is also battling flooding after the Environment Agency issued a warning for the Bessy Brook in Lostock, Bolton.
The warning said: "River levels are rising at the Higham Avenue river gauge as a result of persistent heavy rainfall. Consequently, flooding of low lying land, roads and farmland is possible between 19:00 and 09:00 today/tomorrow, 16/05/21.
"We believe there is a possibility of flooding for properties close to the Bessy Brook and Middle Brook confluence. Further thunderstorms are forecast over the next 12 hours, with low confidence over exact timing and locations.
"We expect river levels to remain high until 12:00 on 17/05/21. We are closely monitoring the situation. Our incident response staff are closely monitoring weather forecasts and river levels and will issue (further) flood warnings if necessary and liaising with emergency services.
"Please avoid using low lying footpaths near local watercourses. This message will be updated in 8 hours, or as the situation changes."
Traffic update Twitter page MancTraffic tweeted: "Severe flash flooding in Horwich area is causing numerous closures.
"A673 Chorley New Rd CLOSED from Ainsworth Ave to The Beehive Rbt. A6027 DeHavilland Way CLOSED from Middlebrook Rbt to Beehive Rbt - heavily congested - AVOID!
"Some minor/estate roads impassable too."
