Latest: Major incident declared over severe flooding as homes and businesses evacuated
Homes have been evacuated and stranded people rescued as heavy downpours caused flooding across parts of the UK.
A major incident was declared late on Wednesday in Poynton, Cheshire, due to “severe flooding”.
Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service said firefighters, emergency services personnel and staff from Highways England were helping those affected, with a rest centre established at Poynton Civic Hall.
Poynton Fire Station said its crews had been to more than 20 incidents, including rescuing at least 11 people from flood water in the area over a four-hour stretch.
In Bramhall in Stockport, homes were evacuated after a river burst its banks - leading to many properties being flooded.
Sarah Rogers was at the scene on Wednesday night:
People are being urged not to try to drive or walk through flood waters as levels subside.
"Your car could become submerged and the road underneath could have collapsed, putting you in danger," the Macclesfield North and Poynton Police Twitter account said.
Travel disruption is expected to continue through Thursday after roads and rails were blocked by flood water and landslips yesterday.
The A555 Manchester Relief road is closed for the fourth day - as is the A34.