Counting the cost of Storm Cristoph

22 Jan 2021 10:36
Published by: Scott Callan

EMERGENCY services and other agencies are continuing to work together to support communities across Cheshire following persistent rain and severe flooding.

Since the major incident was declared on Wednesday following the arrival of Storm Christoph, agencies have been working around the clock as part of the Cheshire Local Resilience Forum.

They have worked to ease flood water, assist people being evacuated from their homes and clear water-logged roads as quickly as possible.

The main areas of concern continue to be Northwich town centre, parts of Warrington and also Farndon – where a number of people have been evacuated.

There were other evacuations over the past few days in Chester, Ellesmere Port and Tattenhall.

Firefighters from Congleton rescued two people trapped on the roof of a car as a result of rising flood water.

Macclesfield fire station was also kept busy attending several incidents including flooding

And the A555 Manchester Airport Relief Road was shut for a time as a safety precaution following heavy rainfall due to Storm Christoph.

Alderley Road in Wilmslow was closed from the Kings Arms as a result of floods.

Cheshire police say situation is under “constant review” and flood warnings remain in place along with a number of road closures across the county.

Superintendent Julie Westgate said: “We’re continuing to work closely with our partners to monitor the situation and deal with any flooding related issues across the county.

“All agencies are committed to working together to provide a co-ordinated response in very difficult and often hazardous circumstances in order to keep people safe. I

want to reassure local residents that collectively we are doing everything we can to minimise the impact on the local community.

“Whilst the heavy rain has stopped and flood waters are subsiding, a number of flood alerts and road closures remain in place and we are urging people to be aware of these and to only travel if it is absolutely essential.

“If you do need to go out please take extra care and allow more time for this as there is a risk of surface water flooding and weather-related debris in places.”

People were are also reminded not to drive or walk through any flood water – this is often deeper than it looks, it may be moving fast and there could be hidden hazards underneath such as raised manhole covers, which can pose a danger.

For details of the flood warnings that remain in place and to keep up-to-date with the latest news please visit the Environment Agency website.

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