WIRRAL Council says it is ready to "react promptly" as gale force winds are forecast to hit the borough later today.

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

The Met Office issued a yellow warning on Monday for wind across the region from today, Tuesday.

In light of the forecast gale force winds - set to continue into Wednesday - the Environment Agency has advised on the risk of coastal flooding for the north west coastline, including Wirral.

Seafronts from New Brighton to Hoylake, and Hilbre Island to Heswall, are expected to be worst affected.

Strong Gale Force 9 winds, combined with high tide levels and large offshore waves are expected to cause wind blown spray overtopping on seafronts on Wirral. 

The worst conditions are expected around high waters at 12.45am and 1.15pm

Drivers of high-sided vehicles, caravans and motorbikes are advised to avoid the M53 between Wallasey and Birkenhead from 8am on Wednesday until 9pm on Thursday.

Sailings on Mersey Ferries have been cancelled tomorrow due to the expected weather, with replacement buses organised instead.

Council chief executive Graham Burgess said: ‘We will continue to monitor the situation and respond to any changes, however, we are already working closely with our partners, including the Environment Agency, and are ready to react promptly should the high tide and weather cause any issues.

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.