Storm Ciara has arrived in Wirral, causing a number of disruptions.

Strong winds are widespread and will last throughout most of Sunday. Gusts of 60 to 70mph are likely across many inland areas and around 80mph in exposed coastal areas. A spell of heavy rain will affect many regions for a time, making driving conditions particularly poor.

Latest updates

  • Merseyrail services will be back to normal on Monday but passengers should check for up-to-date information before they travel.
  • Commuter ferries will be out of operation on Monday morning.
  • The coast road in New Brighton has been closed.
  • A fallen tree blocking the tracks at Eastham Rake station has now been removed. Services have resumed but are subject to delay.
  • Chester Zoo has been closed for the day due to the poor weather conditions.
  • All Mersey ferries have been cancelled for the whole day.
  • Woodwide Ferry Village has closed for the day.
  • The North West Environment Agency has issued a flood alert for the Dee Estury. 

It has issued the following statement:

"The high tide is expected to be higher than usual on the Dee Estuary from Parkgate to Chester as a result of Storm Ciara. Consequently, flooding is possible between 12:00 noon on 09/02/20 and 1:00pm on 09/02/20.

"We believe there is a possibility of flooding for low lying land and roads around the Dee Estuary. Our incident response staff are closely monitoring weather forecasts and river levels and will issue further flood alerts if necessary. Please be aware of your surroundings and keep up to date with the current situation. This message will be updated in 8 hours, or as the situation changes."

  • A flood alert has also been issued for the Wirral coastline stretching from New Brighton to Hoylake.

It says: "Waves are forecast to overtop sea defences from New Brighton to Hoylake with sea spray expected as a result of Storm Ciara.

"Consequently, flooding is possible between 10:30 on 09/02/20 and 11:30 on 09/02/20. We believe there is a possibility of flooding for low lying land and roads at the head of the Wirral from Hoylake to New Brighton, including parts of Leasowe and Wallasey.

"Continuing strong winds will cause additional wave overtopping at high tide for the next 4 days from New Brighton to Hoylake.

"Our incident response staff are closely monitoring the situation and will issue further flood alerts if necessary. Please be aware of your surroundings and keep up to date with the current situation. This message will be updated in 8 hours or as the situation changes."

More updates will appear here as we have them.