MERSEYSIDE has been warned to “be aware” this week as severe gales and localised flooding are forecast for the area.

The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for wind across the region from tomorrow, Tuesday.

A spokesman said: “Gales, severe at times, are likely to affect North Wales, northern England, Scotland and Northern Ireland from Tuesday night, during Wednesday and at first on Thursday with a risk of storm force winds for parts of Western and Northern Scotland.”

Gusts of up to 70mph are expected in some areas but the strongest winds will slowly ease on Thursday morning.

Waves are expected to be unusually high, bringing the risk of localised flooding of roads and causeways.

The spokesman added: “Very strong winds are likely to affect northern and central parts of the UK from Tuesday night until early Thursday as a deep low pressure system moves slowly eastwards between Scotland and Iceland.

“There remains some uncertainty in the track and depth of this low and therefore in the exact wind strengths and timings, however a period of severe gales over the highlighted area is likely, as well as the potential for storm force winds over western and northern parts of Scotland.

“Gusts of 60-70 mph can be expected within the warning area, with 70-80 mph in northwestern exposures. Wintry showers could give some significant snow accumulations over high ground. “

The warning comes days after the anniversary of a tidal surge that left a swathe of destruction across Wirral’s coastal towns.

Huge waves flooded the promenade areas of New Brighton, Hoylake and West Kirby on December 5 last year.

Such was the power of the sea that sections of railings and feet-thick concrete tide-breaks were ripped apart and the debris scattered across the promenade at Hoylake and Meols, forcing roads to be closed.

There was similar damage at West Kirby seafront, which was closed to traffic as flood water raced across the promenade taking several parked cars in its wake and smashing them against walls opposite the marine lake.

New Brighton’s redeveloped promenade was the worst affected.

Shops, supermarkets, restaurants and the Travel Lodge hotel at Marine Point were flooded.