Flood alert issued for River Mersey

A flood alert has been issued for parts of the Mersey Estuary. The Environment Agency has warned that flooding is possible in a number of areas around Warrington and near to the Mersey Gateway Bridge in Halton due to expected high tides.

According to the government agency, flooding is possible in the early hours of tomorrow (September 19) morning. The affected areas are Fiddlers Ferry (between 12.45am and 1.45am), Eastford Road (between 1.15am and 2.15am) and Arpley Bridge (between 1.30am and 2.30am). A live map shows that the flood alert covers the area between the Mersey Gateway Bridge and eastern parts of Warrington.

The Environment Agency says it does not anticipate the flood alert level to be met during the next high tide, which is expected around midday tomorrow. However, it is expected to be met during the early hours of Friday and Saturday.

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A statement on its website reads: "Our incident rooms are on standby and we are closely monitoring the situation. Avoid using low lying footpaths and any bridges near local watercourses and do not attempt to walk or drive through flood water.

"This message will be updated tomorrow or as the situation changes. Areas at risk include Fiddlers Ferry, Eastford Road, Arpley Bridge, Knutsford Road, Howley, Kingsway North and Westy."

Advice for flood alerts on the UK government's website states:

• be ready to follow your flood plan

• have insurance documents and any medications ready

• avoid walking, cycling or driving through any flood water

• move any livestock and farming equipment away from areas likely to flood