Heavy rain from Storm Christoph has led to raised water levels and flooding from the River Alt, that is set to increase significantly and means that some residents in the Maghull area are advised to vacate their properties as soon as possible.
The increase in the water level has led the Environment Agency to issue a severe flood warning, meaning there is a threat to life and significant disruption. Flood warnings mean that flooding is expected, which is the case in Maghull from 10pm until 10am tomorrow morning.
Water levels at Dover Brook, near the River Alt, reached 2.5m today, which in unprecedented for that area, modelling from the Environment Agency, including anticipated overnight rainfall, will take that level to 3.5m.
This is expected to impact the Sefton Lane, Sefton Drive, Claremont Avenue and old Racecourse Road areas Maghull.
Residents are being urged by Sefton Council and its partners to vacate their homes immediately, with a temporary rest centre will provide shelter at the nearby Meadows Leisure Centre, the option of joining their established Covid bubble or staying with family and friends.
Where residents do not want to leave their property, it is imperative that they ensure their safety in their property and secure their belongings.
Catherine Evans, Flood Duty Manager at the Environment Agency, said: “More heavy rain falling on already saturated ground will bring significant surface and river water flooding in parts of Merseyside today, tomorrow (Thursday) and into the weekend, which could cause damage to buildings in some communities.
“Environment Agency teams are out on the ground clearing grilles, screens, deploying temporary flood defences and closing flood barriers. We urge people to keep away from swollen rivers and not to drive through flood water – it is often deeper than it looks and just 30cm of flowing water is enough to float your car.