FORECASTERS are urging people to stay safe as Storm Helene is due to sweep across Merseyside tonight.

Last week the Met Office issued a severe weather warning for Storm Helene which was set to bring gusts of wind of up to 85mph but now forecasters are now expecting less strong winds.

From 9pm tonight, Storm Helene is expected to move in a north easterly direction towards Wales with the strongest gusts of wind expected on Tuesday morning across the midlands and northern England.

Winds are likely to gust 40 to 50mph across the warning area while coastal areas such as New Brighton may experience gusts of 55 to 60mph.

On Wednesday the borough will be hit by winds and showers with gusts in excess of 75mph expected.

Power cuts are expected and other services such as mobile phone coverage may be affected.

Longer journey times are also expected with road, rail, air and ferry services delays and cancellations likely.

People are being urged to stay away from coastal areas due to large waves and are being warned of the potential 'threat to life' from flying debris.