Floods in Greater Manchester after heavy rain

A severe weather warning was issued for the Greater Manchester region

Heavy rain storms have led to severe flooding in parts of Greater Manchester.

Thunder and lightning struck in Manchester city centre during a downpour on Thursday afternoon.

People living in Stockport and Cheadle Hulme were thought to be the worst-hit, as a flood warning was issued for the River Bollin catchment area.

The Environment Agency said Knutsford, Wilmslow, Hale, Macclesfield and Bollington could also be affected.

Bramhall Lane in Bramhall was closed for safety reasons after reports that cars were floating on flood water.

Flooding also caused the closure of an exit slip road at junction 17 of the anticlockwise carriageway of the M60 near Prestwich.

The road had re-opened by 2000 BST.

Weather warning

John Aspinal, Station Commander from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, said the Bury area is also expected to be hit with heavy rain as the conditions move north.

He advised people to contact the fire service if they got into difficulty in the wet weather.

"Try and monitor the weather as best you can and to keep an eye on the storms," he said.

"These storm clouds are now moving across and there shouldn't be any more for the remainder of today.

"If people do feel unease or at risk then give us a call and we will assist where we can."

A severe weather warning was issued for the Greater Manchester region by the Met Office on Thursday.

The wet weather is expected to continue in the region over the next few days.