Hurricane-force gales are causing wide-spread disruption across Wirral and Merseyside.

A red alert for the whole of the Northwest has been issued by the Met Office, meaning people should take action as exceptionally strong winds hit the region.

The Met Office warned members of the public to “alter their travel arrangements during this spell of storm force winds”.

The Coastguard station at Crosby reported Gale Force 12 had been recorded, meaning the wind had reached hurricane level, and is the most severe for 17 years.

High tide is at 10pm and local people are being warned to stay away from coastal areas.

Borough Road in Birkenhead has been closed both ways due to fallen power cables.

A replacement bus service is running on Merseyrail between Rock Ferry and Chester, and between Rock Ferry and Ellesmere Port due to a fallen tree on the line at Bebington.

Services between Birkenhead North and New Brighton are suspended. Merseyrail says attempts are being made to organise a replacement bus service.

There is disruption to flights to and from Liverpool John Lennon Airport and passengers are advised to contact their airline.

All Mersey Ferry services are cancelled.

The A540 Chester High Road at Willaston is closed due to fallen power cables.

Pensby Road is closed due to a fallen tree, as are Stanton Road, Bebington, Brookhurst Avenue in Bromborough and Bromborough Road.

Greasby Road is blocked in both directions due to a fallen tree between Saughall Massie Lane and  Arrowe Park Road.

An overturned lorry blocking traffic on the M53 at Junction 10 near Little Stanney now has been removed.

All roads around Liverpool Lime Street are closed due to falling masonary.

Services are suspended on Northern Rail between Southport and Wigan due to a fallen tree on the line. Trains are currently unable to run.

Northern Rail tweeted: "Our advice at the present moment is not to travel."

Virgin Trains services are now running via Crewe, but are still unable to run to or from Liverpool.

For Merseyrail updates click here

For Wirral traffic and travel updates click here