RIVER levels in the region are said to have peaked ­— but the Environment Agency said the flooding is still possible in Oldham and surrounding areas.

The agency put out a new alert for potential flooding just after 8am covering the Upper River Irwell catchment with Bolton, Rochdale, Haslingden, Ramsbottom and Rawtenstall.

It stated that river levels have peaked and are expected to fall throughout the day.

The agency added: "Further heavy rainfall is expected tonight and river levels could rise back up to the flood alert level in the early hours of Monday morning, 24/02/2020.

"Our incident response staff are closely monitoring weather forecasts and river levels and will issue flood warnings if necessary.

"Please be aware of your surroundings and keep up to date with the current situation. This message will be updated as the situation changes."

In England, the two severe flood warnings on the River Lugg, in Herefordshire, were downgraded but 74 flood warnings and 170 flood alerts remained in place.

The Met Office said the overnight band of rain would give way to more showery weather during Sunday.

But it warned the weather system was due to pivot back on Sunday night, bringing widespread rain and wind for many parts, with snow over central and southern Scotland and the hills of the north Pennines bringing a grim start to Monday.

A yellow weather warning for heavy rain has been issued for 3am to 3pm on Monday for the north of England.

There is also a yellow warning for snow covering much of central and southern Scotland on Monday.

Forecasters said snow could also fall on higher ground in northernmost areas of England.