Emergency refuge centres are gearing up to open tonight, to give urgent shelter to those encouraged to evacuate their homes due to flooding.
It comes as local councillors confirmed as many as 430 homes will be contacted and urged to leave for their safety as heavy rain continues to batter the region.
The race is on after councillors warned the River Mersey is expected to overflow.
Areas of both East and West Didsbury, in south Manchester, were placed under severe flood warnings earlier on Sunday, February 20.
This meant there is a severe risk to life, following the news that the River Mersey was reaching high levels and could even overflow by 7pm.
Evacuations started on Sunday afternoon in East Didsbury and the Palatine Road area of West Didsbury.
Hundreds of homeowners being told they will be welcomed at the Didsbury Islamic Centre, on Burton Road, as it acts as a refuge centre.
Should it reach maximum capacity, it was confirmed that the Armitage Sports Centre would provide hot drinks and shelter too.
According to the Government flooding service, both East and West Didsbury are at risk due to 'heavy and persistent rainfall resulting in rising river levels on the River Mersey'.
The warning is due to remain in place until Monday morning at the earliest, February 21.
Liberal Democrat Opposition Leader at Manchester City Council confirmed that hundreds of homes are being knocked on and urged to evacuate.
He tweeted: "If you are in Didsbury please be aware that there is a serious possibility the river may overflow around 7pm tonight.
"430 properties at risk are being knocked.
"Key areas are Palatine Rd, Mersey Road, Spath Rd and Hollies Estate. Emergency services have been mobilised."
He went on to warn people that they should prepare for evacuation and take the advice of officials.
Councillor Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council said: “We’re working closely with the police, fire service and the Environment Agency to protect residents living in the areas where we have severe flood warnings.
“If asked to leave your home we would strongly advise you do so. Flooding can be extremely dangerous which is why we are working diligently to get residents to safety."
Which homes are expected to be hardest hit?
Properties expected to be hit in West Didsbury and Barlow Moor include those around Princess Road, Riverside Avenue and Mersey Crescent.
Also risk to properties on Stanton Avenue, Palatine Road, Kenworthy Lane and Ford Lane.
In East Didsbury, potentially at risk areas include those around Millgate Lane and Parrs Wood Road including Tuscan Road to Broad Oak Lane.
Also at risk include properties around Kingsway including Wilmslow Road to Merston Drive, Millgate Farm and Old Bedians sports centre.
See a full list of Didsbury areas at 'severe' risk of flooding - posing a 'danger to life'.
What to do if you get a severe flood warning
A severe flood warning means there is danger to life: you must act now. Call 999 if you’re in immediate danger.
Follow advice from the emergency services and evacuate if you’re told to do so.
Make sure you have an emergency kit including a torch, spare batteries, mobile phone and charger, warm clothes, important numbers like your home insurance, water, food, first aid kit and any medicines and babycare items you may need.
Alert neighbours and offer help if it's safe to do so.
Avoid driving or walking through flood water: just 30cm (1 foot) of fast flowing water could move your car and even shallow moving water can knock you off your feet.
