Storm Dennis: Wigan flood alert removed as river levels begin to fall

The flood alert - which means "flooding is possible and residents should be prepared", was issued for the Upper River Douglas this morning (Sunday, February 16) following a night of heavy rain as Storm Dennis's strong wind and rain hit the region.

Areas at risk of flooded included low lying land in Wigan, Appley Bridge and Skelmersdale.

But due to a drop in rainfall, the swollen rivers are beginning to return to their normal levels and the flood alert was removed at 12.49pm.

Several alerts and one flood warning - a step above an alert, meaning flooding is imminent - were issued across the borough last weekend as Storm Ciara battered the region.

The Met Office has also put a Yellow wind warning in place for Wigan between 10am-2pm, and a Yellow rain warning between noon and 9pm.

Storm Dennis shut down roads and flooded railway lines on Sunday morning as it lashed large parts of the country with rain and strong winds.

The situation was said to be "life-threatening" in South Wales, where the Met Office issued a red warning due to heavy rainfall and flooding risk.

The Met Office has issued amber alerts - meaning people must be prepared to change plans and protect themselves and their family from the storm - for parts of Yorkshire, Wales, Devon, East Sussex and Kent.

Flights have been grounded for safety reasons, with British Airways and easyJet confirming cancellations.

More than 230 easyJet flights in and out of the UK on Saturday were cancelled, while several sporting fixtures were also called off due to the weather.

Two bodies were pulled from rough seas on Saturday, before the worst of the storm hit.

One man was found following a huge search operation off Margate after an early-morning distress call, while another was found at Herne Bay.