Homes flooded in heavy downpours

More than 60 properties across Greater Manchester were flooded as torrential rain fell in the region.

Firefighters said they had a busy night as a result of the heavier than expected downpours on Thursday.

Thirty houses were severely flooded in the Boothstown area of Salford and a further 20 in Wigan.

In Failsworth, the upper Comprehensive school was flooded on two floors, with many classrooms affected. Homes in Weaste and Middleton were also hit.

Roads in those areas, as well as several others, were left under water when drains could not cope with the volume of water that fell.

Flood watches

The Environment Agency issued flood watches for people living near the River Irwell in Oldham, Bolton, Rochdale, Ramsbottom, Haslingden and Rawtenstall, warning residents to expect problems in low-lying areas.

The agency also predicted problems in low-lying areas near the River Bollin in Knutsford, Wilmslow, Macclesfield and Bollington.

All the flood warnings were given the all clear on Friday morning.

Standing water caused problems on roads including Mount Road in Gorton, and Dantzic Street in Manchester city centre.

In Astley Green, traffic queues developed on the East Lancs Road after a car became stuck in standing water.