A number of fallen trees have closed roads across Merseyside and Liverpool's Christmas markets were cancelled as Storm Pia hit the region.
There was lots of disruption in Liverpool and Wirral after the Met Office issued a yellow weather warning for wind which covered the majority of the country on Thursday. During the early morning rush hour Merseyrail trains were disrupted due to obstructions on the lines between between Birkenhead North and West Kirby as well as Ormskirk and Kirkby.
Rail replacement bus services ran instead of trains on both lines until the obstructions were removed. A number of roads in Wirral were also impassable due to fallen trees and flooding.
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Police blocked off Spital Road, at the junction or Arkwood Close due to a fallen tree while cars were seen driving in deep water on Ellen's Lane, Bromborough Road and Bebington Road. Later in the day police were also forced to close Brimstage Road, near Heswall Train station, after another tree fell into the road at around 4.30pm.
Pictures from the scene showed council workers cutting the tree into smaller pieces on the roadside to try and get traffic moving again. Storm Pia also caused issues for Liverpool's Christmas Market, with stalls having to close up due to high winds.
Liverpool City Council told the ECHO it was not safe to open to customers due to the weather. The market stalls, at St George's Hall opposite Lime Street, remained closed into the evening and a decision will be made if they can reopen again on Friday, December 22.
A statement released online reads: "Unfortunately the Christmas Market will remain closed due to the high winds. The team will make a decision in the morning about whether the festive markets can reopen tomorrow (Friday 22nd). We'll update you when we can."
Chester Zoo also made the decision to close for the safety of staff, visitors and animals in their care.
A spokesperson from Chester Zoo said: "We’re going to have to keep the zoo closed on Thursday 21 December for the safety of our staff, visitors and the animals under our care. If you have booked tickets to the zoo then we’ve automatically extended them until the end of June 2024 (this includes pre-booked tickets as part of our ‘kids go free’ offer).
"You don't need to do anything, just turn up to the zoo anytime with your confirmation and enjoy your day! If you’ve booked on to an experience, school visit or Dine with Santa, our team will contact you directly."
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