A RED flood warning has been issued for parts of Northwich following heavy rain – while the rest of town and Winsford are on alert.

The Environment Agency has issued a flood warning for the River Weaver at Acton Bridge and Weaverham, which means flooding is expected and ‘immediate action is required’.

It says flooding is possible for properties close to the Weaver in Warrington Road and Sandy Lane, with river levels expected to peak in the early hours of Friday, January 15.

An Environment Agency spokesman said: “River levels are rising at the Pickerings Cut river gauge as a result of persistent rainfall.

“We believe there is a possibility of flooding for some properties close to the River Weaver along Warrington Road and Sandy Lane. We expect river levels to peak in the early hours of tomorrow.

“Our incident response staff are closely monitoring weather forecasts and river levels and will issue further updates where necessary.

“Please be aware of your surroundings and keep up to date with the current situation.”

Meanwhile, an amber flood alert has been issued for the rest of the River Weaver catchment in Northwich and Winsford, with flooding possible this evening.

The Environment Agency installed temporary flood defences at Barons Quay as a precautionary measure earlier today.

A spokesman added: "River levels have risen at the Hayhurst Bridge river gauge as a result of persistent rainfall.

"Consequently, flooding of low lying land, roads and farmland is possible this afternoon, going into this evening.

"We believe there is a possibility of flooding for low lying land and roads around the rivers Weaver, Ducklow and Wheelock and their tributaries. 

"Please be aware of your surroundings and keep up to date with the current situation."