Greater Manchester is expecting to be hit with snow and ice over the next few days as a new weather warning has been issued.
There are currently 16 flood warnings in place across the region after some residents in Stockport were forced to evacuate their homes whilst residents at a hotel in Didsbury were transported from the venue via boats.
Elsewhere, major roads including the A555 remain closed as well as the A58 through Platt Bridge, in Wigan. Residents who were trapped in Stockport’s Meadow Mill were also rescued and taken to a relief centre in Reddish. Hundreds of homes were also left without power throughout the day.
A further yellow weather warning for ice is in place today, Thursday, January 2, with temperatures of below freezing predicted. Members of the public have been told to expect icy patches on some untreated roads, pavements and cycle paths. There may also be some injuries from falling.
(Image: Sean Hansford | Manchester Evening News)
The warning is in place until 10am today.
On Friday, despite a cold start with wintry showers, the forecaster predicts it will turn drier through the morning with occasional sunny spells in the afternoon. Temperatures are likely to stay around 5C.
From Saturday, January 4, through to Monday, January 6, a three day yellow weather warning for snow is in place. It’s expected there will be isolated wintry showers on Saturday with snow and sleet arriving in the early hours of Sunday.
Temperatures are likely to remain cold with possible risks of ice. Those travelling over the next few days are advised to plan the journey ahead, keeping an eye on road closures and leaving more time to prepare for a longer trip.
Paul Gundersen, a Chief Forecaster for the Met Office said: “The coastal gales and rain in the south of the UK will ease by the late afternoon of New Year’s Day, while at the other end of the country wintry showers are starting to feed into northern Scotland.
“Northern parts of the UK are already experiencing colder conditions but by Thursday morning the much colder air will reach remaining parts of the south and southeast.
“Overnight we have a series of National Severe Weather Warnings in place with a combined yellow warning for both snow and ice for northern Scotland, while a yellow ice warning is in place as far south as the Midlands.
“Standing water remaining from the heavy rainfall of the last few days will freeze, creating a risk for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians navigating untreated surfaces. Wintry showers remain a hazard especially for north-facing coasts and hills.”