A WORRYING night lies ahead for many people across the borough after heavy rain battering the area sparked two flood alerts. 

The Upper River Irwell is rising quickly, with flooding possible across most of Bury, Bolton and Rochdale, and parts of Oldham. 

People in the area have been urged to be prepared, with the River Croal, along with Rivers Beal, Roch, and Limy Water all high enough to burst their banks overnight. 

The Environment Agency believe the worst of the weather will be seen between 11pm, and 3am on Monday morning. 

Incident response staff will be watching the current and forecasted weather, alongside the river levels, to upgrade the alert if needed. 

Bury Times: The flood alerts issued for BoltonThe flood alerts issued for Bolton

A flood alert has also been issued for the Lower River Irwell, running through Kearsley, with the worst of conditions set to hit after 2am. 

Warnings for the Rivers Irk, Medlock, Wince, and Worsley Brooks have been issued.

With further rainfall - including some intense downpours - forecast over the next 12 hours, the situation could change rapidy.

The alert will be updated tomorrow morning, or when the situation changes. 

There are 14 flood warnings - where flooding is expected - and 53 flood alerts in place across the UK

Visit the flood warning service for updates.