Storm Ciara: Wigan flood alerts remain in place as torrid weather continues

The alerts, which indicate that flooding is possible and that residents should be prepared, were activated yesterday for the Upper River Douglas and the River Glaze catchment - including Leigh and East Wigan - after rapid rises in water levels.

The Met Office says strong winds and hail are set to hit Wigan between 11am-3pm today, with a yellow snow warning also in effect from 3pm this afternoon.

Yesterday's weather wreaked havoc on Wigan. River levels rose, roads became impassable through flooding and trees came crashing into the road after being ripped from their roots. One even fell onto a car outside St Maries church in Almond Brook Road, Standish.

Alison McKenzie-Folan, Wigan Council's chief executive, said the local authority had responded to at least 40 incidents across the borough yesterday, including removing a tree which had fallen into the road in Swinley.