But this is nothing new. This picture round-up from the Wigan Today archives shows plenty of other times in the last 70 years when the area has faced cloud bursts and floods.
1. A stranded ambulance is rescued by a fire engine in the deep water at Martland Mill in 2000
. Photo: Gary Brunskill
2. A stranded motorist is hauled out after getting stuck in flood water in Wigan in the 1970s
. Photo: STAFF
3. Allan Eccleston, 62, wades in the water at Wigan's Asda store in 2000 - a familar sight to this day
. Photo: GARY BRUNSKILL
1 / 6