He told Radio Manchester most people were moving out and making arrangements but "one person said he wasn't going to move".
"Hopefully people will heed police advice and leave - after all your life is more important than your property," he said.
"Roads are closed, shops are closed, so even people who think they are in the safe areas will have a long drive to go anywhere to find food."
Mr Lomax said it could be a couple of days before residents could go back into their homes..