Severe weather warning as storms cause flooding in parts of the borough

Photo: Lee Seville

A car submerged in the flooding in Middleton

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Warnings are being issued as Rochdale gets battered by post-heatwave storms – causing parts of the borough to be flooded, including Middleton Shopping Centre.

Rob McClean, who works at the health centre in Middleton Shopping Centre, said: "Staff heard sounds of water flowing, we went into the corridor of the health centre and saw water was flooding into the site from our rear fire exit. On closer inspection we saw that water was pouring in from the roof just outside the door. Water quickly reached the end of our corridor close to patient areas. It all happened so quickly, the volume of water was incredible.

"We were advised that water was entering the front of the shopping centre and was deep, many shops have clearly been seriously affected, particularly on the lower level with a clean up operation now in force.

"Our staff rallied quickly to safely evacuate patients, and start to clear the water. We hope to be open tomorrow as normal, but this will obviously depend on how far the flood water gets.

"We will keep patients informed."

Police were called to Manchester Road, Castleton earlier today to reports that water was “headlight deep" from there into the Sudden area, and various roads blocked off as a result.

Hopwood Hall College issued a warning to students to take extra care on their commute.

It read: “Weather warning: Due to sudden and heavy rain in Rochdale and Middleton, please be careful on your journey. Some roads are being closed due to standing water and this will affect bus services and road traffic. Please allow extra time for journeys to and from college. We'll provide more updates when we have them.”

The Met Office has issued a severe weather warning.