THE Environment Agency and Met office has issued an amber flood warning for Wirral today amid fears that rising water levels could lead to a third tidal surge.

High tidal levels combined with flows coming down the River Dee at Chester this afternoon mean that Wirral is at risk of further flooding.

The tide is not expected to be as high, but Liverpool Coastguard is warning visitors to those areas to be wary.

A spokesman for Liverpool Coastguard said: "The tide is not as high as it has been, but the advice to the public would be to be aware that there is potential for waves to come over walls."

On Friday King's Parade in New Brighton, North Parade in Hoylake, South Parade, West Kirby and The Dell in Rock Ferry were closed as a precaution amid fears that the borough could be hit by a tidal surge.

Gale force winds created a surge that left a swathe of destruction across the borough's coastal towns on December 5.

With high winds expected at around 3pm today, the council is working with businesses in coastal areas.

David Armstrong, Wirral council’s assistant chief executive said: "We have an emergency plan in place and are working closely with our partners including Merseyside Police and the Environment Agency.

"The council’s community patrol officers are ensuring that businesses at Marine Point in New Brighton and West Kirby promenade are aware of the weather forecast so that they can take the necessary precautions.

"We are continuing to monitor the situation and are ready to react promptly should the high tides cause any issues."

Merseytravel say the ferry service is running normally and will be reviewed, depending on the severity of weather conditions.