A Met Office yellow weather warning for rain has come into effect for parts of Merseyside today, on Friday, October 20 as Storm Babet is set to batter the country.
The storm, which is the second named storm of the season, arrived this week bringing strong winds and heavy rain.
While Merseyside is set to be hit by non-stop downpours, other parts of the UK are set to experience "exceptional rainfall and impactful wind".
A red warning for rain covers parts of the east of Scotland, including Brechin, Forfar and Kirriemuir. Impacts highlighted as part of the red warning is a danger to life from flood water, extensive flooding to homes and businesses and severely disrupted travel conditions.
This is the first Red warning for rain issued in the UK since Storm Dennis in February 2020.
Elsewhere, including Liverpool, strong winds from an easterly direction have resulted in yellow and amber wind warnings being issued across the UK.
Gusts in excess of 60mph are expected today, with particularly poor conditions on immediate coastlines with large waves adding to the list of hazards.
Follow all the latest updates from Storm Babet in our live blog below.
Key Events
KEY EVENT
Severe weather causing disruption to Chester and Ellesmere Port lines
The worst of the weather is causing significant disruption to the Chester and Ellesmere Port lines on the Merseyrail network.
Anyone planning to travel on Merseyrail is advised to check before travelling and "to not make any unnecessary journeys."
Contingency work has been undertaken by Network Rail and Merseyrail, but trains are now replaced by rail replacement buses on routes between Rock Ferry – Chester and Rock Ferry – Ellesmere Port.
Ellen Kirwin
Road disruption due to flooding
- A5137 Brimstage Road is blocked in both direction, with queueing traffic due to flooding around Brimstage Lane.
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Reports of flooding on A5300 Knowsley Expressway in both directions between A562 Speke Road (Hale Bank) and M57 J1 (Tarbock Island, Tarbock).
Ellen Kirwin
Live from Liverpool city centre
Ellen Kirwin
When will Storm Babet pass?
Looking further ahead, Met Office Expert Meteorologist Christoph Almond said:
Sunday looks like a quieter day for many, although there will still be some showers around. However, in lighter winds and with temperatures above average, it could feel comparatively pleasant for a short time.
However, on Monday, more heavy rain and showers look like spreading in from the southwest, and that sets the scene for the coming week. While most places will see rain or showers at some point – southern areas could bear the brunt of these.
There are no weather warning in place from Sunday, onwards.
Ellen Kirwin
Warnings to stay away from waterfronts today
RNLI Water Safety Partner, Sam Hughes, said: “The forecasted strong winds along with heavy rain are likely to cause dangerous conditions for those visiting the coast around the UK and Ireland.
“The RNLI advises staying a safe distance away from the water and cliff edges as the conditions could knock you off your feet or wash you into the sea. It is not worth risking your life.
“If you see someone else in danger in the water, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard if by the coast, or the fire service if inland. If you have something that floats that they can hold on to, throw it to them. Don’t go in the water yourself – you may end up in difficulty too.”
The RNLI advice is:
- Stay well back from stormy, wintery seas and cliff edges
- Check the weather forecast and tide times before you go out
- Take a phone with you
- In an emergency call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard
Ellen Kirwin
Merseyside weather forecast
Today:
Heavy rain persists across much of the region, with an amber rain warning in the east, bringing flooding and travel disruption. Winds continue to strengthen, particularly at the coasts and over high ground. Feeling cooler than Thursday. Maximum temperature 13C.
Tonight:
Persistent rain continues overnight, bringing further flooding and travel disruption into the start of Saturday. Remaining windy at first, but gradually easing through the early hours. A cooler night. Minimum temperature 9C.
Ellen Kirwin
Current weather warnings in place for Merseyside
There are currently a number of Met Office warnings in place amid Storm Babet.
A yellow warning for rain came in at midnight and will last until 6am tomorrow. This covers all of Merseyside and much of England.
What to expect according to the Met Office
- Fast flowing or deep floodwater is possible, causing a danger to life
- Homes and businesses could be flooded, causing damage to some buildings
- Some communities may be cut off by flooded roads
- Delays or cancellations to train and bus services are possible
- Spray and flooding could lead to difficult driving conditions and some road closures
- Possible power cuts and loss of other services to some homes and businesses