Heavy rainfall expected across Sefton with Met Office yellow warning in place

The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for rainfall expected late tonight, Wednesday 27th and into Thursday of this week.

The warning covers Sefton and means that disruption to transport and flooding is likely.

Last week’s severe weather resulted in flood alerts in the #Maghull and #Formby areas of Sefton, and residents were supported at a temporary rest centre when river levels were dangerously high. As a result of the prolonged rainfall, much of the ground is still saturated in the area.

Sefton Council is monitoring forecasts to put necessary measures in place to protect residents and properties from any potential risk.

The Council has distributed its sandbag supplies to residents across the Borough already affected by last week’s weather warnings, and is urging residents who might be concerned about flood risk to ensure they have a stock of sandbags which can be bought from builders merchants or DIY shops.

Other flood preparations that residents might want to consider whilst the weather warning is in place:

• Find out your own risk of flooding before a flood happens. Floods can happen anywhere, and it is important to remember you don’t need to live by water to be at risk of flooding. Visit the government’s flood warning information service online or call Floodline on 0345 988 1188.

• If you are in an at-risk area sign up for flood warning messages from the Environment Agency’s Floodline online or by calling: 0345 988 1188

• Make a personal Flood Plan for what you will do if there is a flood. It could be used if you’re required to leave the house quickly for other risks.

• Think what you would take if you needed to evacuate and consider where everything could be kept.

Anyone concerned about flooding can find further advice on flood risk and what to do to protect their property on the Flood Hub website or Sefton Council website.

Residents can report flooding on a public highway or any blocked road gullies on the Sefton Council website using an online reporting form.

Should anyone end up with flood water in their property, they should report this to flooding@sefton.gov.uk with any photos to accompany the report.

Reporting incidents will ensure that the Council can understand the extent and location of properties affected by incidents of flooding and allow officers to work with other flood risk management authorities to help reduce the risks and consequences of future flooding.

Roads may become impassable across the Borough later this week due to heavy rainfall, and people are urged to only go out if it’s essential. Accidents happen in fast flowing water so avoid walking or driving near floodwater and residents are reminded that there could be hidden dangers like sharp objects or raised manhole covers beneath the water.