FORECASTERS have issued a severe warning for gusts of wind of up to 70mph for Wirral.

The Met Office released the weather warning today which will take place between 10pm on Wednesday, February 6 until 6pm on Saturday, February 9.

The strongest winds will begin in South West England and West Wales before moving north across Merseyside later on this week.

Members of the public are being warned to expect delays to road, rail, air and ferry transport and are urging drivers of high-sided vehicles to take care crossing bridges.

There may also be short term loss of power and dip in phone signals.

Coastal areas such as New Brighton can expect to see gusts of up to 70mph and residents living near the coast are being warned of large waves and debris.

A Met Office spokesman said: "A deep area of low pressure is expected to track across northern Britain later on Friday and through early Saturday.

"Southwesterly winds will strengthen through Friday. Gales will become widespread later on Friday, persisting well into Saturday whilst becoming more westerly.

"Whilst some places may miss the worst of the winds, inland gusts of 50 mph are expected quite widely, with some places having gusts in excess of 60 mph, more especially across the north of the warning area on Saturday.

"Gusts of up to 70 mph are likely around some coasts exposed to the west or southwest. Winds will gradually ease on Saturday, with the strongest winds becoming confined to Scotland on Saturday afternoon.

"These winds will lead to large waves affecting coasts and the possibility of waves overtopping some coastal routes, especially in the west and south of the warning area.

"In addition, bands of heavy rain sweeping eastwards on Friday in particular will present an additional hazard."