Updated: The footpaths have now been reopened due to the storm passing and water levels remaining low. Storm Babet is currently battering parts of the country and areas within Greater Manchester are badly affected by the heavy rain. Although Salford lies within the Met Office's Yellow Alert zone, much of the water falling on surrounding areas will eventually find it's way into streams and tributaries which feed the River Irwell along its path. It is only logical to expect rising water levels along the river as a result and so purely as a precautionary measure at this stage, Salford Council and the Environment Agency have opted to close footpaths around both flood basins at Little Road and Kersal Wetlands which were constructed to take on water in order to protect vulnerable areas further down the path of the river. As stated, this is a precautionary measure should the levels rise and they be needed to be quickly brought into action. As at time of publishing, there are no active warnings, however this could quickly change. Alerts have been issued further up the river at Bury, Oldham, Bolton and Rochdale. For the latest updates, please follow the council and the environment agency on their social media.