AFTER days of heavy rain and localised flooding in many parts of Warrington, a flood alert has been issued for the town this afternoon.
The flood alert was issued by the Environment Agency due to the high tide forecast on the River Mersey.
The current forecast anticipates the flood warning level will be met during the early hours of Saturday.
Areas most at risk include parts of Chester Road, Arpley Road and beneath Arpley Railway Bridge.
Officials are expecting higher than normal tides for Warrington over the next four days. Incident rooms are on standby and the situation is being closely monitored.
Residents are being urged to avoid using low lying footpaths and any bridges near local watercourses.
Pedestrians are warned not to walk through flood water and drivers are advised not to drive through the flood waters.
A further update is expected to be issued late on Friday afternoon.
The flood warning area consists of Chester Road between Brian Bevan Island and Arpley Railway Bridge and Arpley Road in Warrington.
When flood warnings are issued people are urged to protect themselves and their loved ones.
They should move pets and valuables to a safe place and move to upper floors of a building.
If flooding occurs, residents should turn off gas, electricity and water in their home if it’s safe and follow the advice of emergency services.
An amber flood alert where flooding is possible is in force around Fiddlers Ferry, Eastford Road, Arpley Bridge, Knutsford Road, Kingsway North and Westy and Howley.