The Environment Agency is warning residents across the North West to prepare for an increased risk of flooding over the next two days.

Up to 100mm of rain is expected across the region in the next 24 hours. At 11am today, 11 flood alerts were issued for river and surface water flooding.

Significant disruption, including disruption to travel and flooding of properties and communities, is possible. Strong winds will increase the risk of flooding as wind-blown debris has the potential to block watercourses and drains.

The Environment Agency has mobilised teams across the country to check on flood defences, clear any river blockages and closely monitor river levels.

In addition to surface water flooding, it is likely that a large number of river flood alerts and warnings will be issued over the next three days.

Steve Moore, regional director for the North West Environment Agency said: “We are expecting persistent and heavy rainfall for much of today and Tuesday.

"We ask that people stay safe, by staying away swollen rivers and not attempting to drive through floodwater.

“The Environment Agency already has teams out on the ground checking on flood defences and clearing any blockages in order to reduce the risk of flooding as much as possible.”

Anyone concerned about potential flooding can sign up for free flood warnings on the Environment Agency’s website or by calling the Environment Agency Flood Line on 0845 988 1188.

No doubt penny bridge will be out of action soon. As the drainage there is rubbish.

I have just returned from Wales. It is horrendous, but even worse was Barnston Road, Heswall end just past the dip going in Heswall direction. Like a lake in 2 places. Water is running off the fields like a river. Brimstage Road will prob be the same and under the bridge at Whitehouse lane. Don't go there if you can avoid.

At the Arrowe Brook dip, the water is pouring over the little waterfall in a brown torrent, with not much drop at all. That stream is really full. The water is all across the road on the way down from Champion traffic lights to the dip, too. One side of Heron Road is obstructed on a bend, so it's dangerous to pull out and avoid - drivers take care. I daresay it will all subside fairly quickly, but it's not a good day to be out on the roads.

If you go near Brimstage, leave your car at home and take your swimming trunks, it was really bad around 2:00pm, the road was a river.

Great Sutton residents warned to take immediate action over flood warning.

THE Environment Agency has issued a flood warning for parts of Wirral following a day of continuous rain.

Residents living near the Riveracre Brook in Great Sutton have been given a flood warning meaning that flooding is expected and immediate action is needed.

People living on Farmers Heath Road, Spinney Drive, Ascot Drive and Chase Way, Regal Close and Oliver Lane have been told they could be at risk.

The Environment Agency has also issued a flood alert for parts of Heswall, Ellesmere Port, Bebington, Hoylake and Wallasey due to possible problems with the rivers Birkett, Riveracre, Arrowbrook, Fender and Dibbinsdale.

Residents living those areas are told that flooding is “possible” and they should “be prepared.”

Who to call?

Flooding from main rivers (e.g Fender, Birkett, etc) and sea Call the Environment Agency Floodline 0845 9881188, www.environment-agency.gov.uk/floodnorthwest.

Public drains and sewers The responsibility for cleansing and maintaining all public drains and sewers rests with United Utilities 0845 746 2200, www.unitedutilities.co.uk or Welsh Water 08000853968, www.dwrcymru.co.uk

Flooding from private drains, land drains and watercourses The land owner.

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Motorists are being urged to reduce their speed and increase their distance during rush hour this evening as heavy rain continues to fall in Merseyside.
Many roads in the county have flooded and there are large amounts of surface water on many more. Several A-roads in west Wirral have been particulary badly affected. Police officers are working with other emergency services, the Highways Agency and local authority highways departments to deal with incidents when they occur.
Inspector Joe Danher from the force's roads policing department said keeping speed down and increasing braking distances between vehicles was crucial to drivers staying safe this evening. He said: "Visibility has been very poor for much of the day and will only get worse as more cars go onto the roads for rush hour. In such bad visibility, it is important that people keep their speed down and give themselves plenty of time and space from the car in front in case they have to brake suddenty. "People should be particularly careful if they are traveling home on the motorways and busy main roads tonight as surface water can easily catch you by surprise and people tend to stamp on the brakes or swerve erratically to avoid it and can then lose control.

"My advice would be to slow right down, keep to a steady speed and keep a safe distance from the car infront so that you have plenty of time to deal with any hazards. "The police are working with the other emergency services and the Highways Agency to close roads that are flooded and to divert traffic along safer routes. Motorists can play their part by leaving plenty of time to complete their journey, check weather and road conditions before they leave, and remain patient if they do hit delays." The Highways Agency offers a number of services to help people make decisions about their journeys.

Up-to-date information on road conditions on England's motorways and trunk roads is available on the Agency website at www.highways.gov.uk/traffic or by calling 0300 123 5000. For information on weather conditions, visit the Met Office website www.metoffice.gov.ukor listen to local radio.

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Firefighters in action over Saughall Massie flood

Firefighters helped divert water to drains after a garden became flooded at Saughall Massie, Officers used polybooms to help divert the water to drains near Garden Hey Road.

Watch manager Dave Balmer said: “There were around six inches of water covering an area measuring around 80 feet by 20 feet.

"We used polybooms, which is a roll that is filled with water or air, to divert the water.

"We filled the polyboom with water and it acted as a damn.

“We would advise that homeowners who have drains around their house make sure they are clear and unblocked.”




An appliance from West Kirby fire station attended the incident.

Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service control room has received more than 20 calls concerning flooding since around 2pm today from areas in Wirral, Crosby, St Helens and Liverpool.

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Floods bring railway disruption

COMMUTERS could be faced with a struggle to get home tonight as the heavy rains causes more problems across the borough.

Merseyrail have suspended services between Rock Ferry and Ellesmere Port and Rock Ferry and Chester due to flooding at Hooton.

But a Merseryrail spokesman said a replacement bus has been laid on for passengers.

Arriva trains have also been forced to halt services between Chester and Crewe due to flooding.

Earlier, Hamilton Square was shut down due to problems with the power supply which has since been restored.

I drove down Whitehouse Lane about 2 hours ago to avoid the floods on Barnston Road. Not a good idea. Petty deep water.

The Fire Brigade, Police and Ambulances will be getting a lot over the next few days. With them experiencing massive ongoing cuts, it's quite worrying how they'll be able to respond to things like flooding in the future.

hi, we live on town meadow lane moreton and the fender brook was right up on the banks and the rainwater was about 2"inch right outside the main commnial front door to the gate. I phoned about 3 o,clock floodwatch they said they will keep an eye on it. Told me if the fender overflows any more then i have to phone the wirral borough council to get some sand bags to put outside our front doors [anybody got a boat to lend me?].

At Bidston the river had burst its lower bank near the golf course today and was really close to flooding the access road when I went past at 4pm today.

I got stuck in Ellesmere Port with no trains due to the flooding at Hooton had to get a taxi back.

Flooding affects Merseyrail

Service suspended on Merseyrail between Rock Ferry and Chester, and between Rock Ferry and Ellesmere Port due to flooding at Hooton.

Can we use a hosepipe yet

off topic slightly here i know but shows which cars can cope with the rain and which can't