RESIDENTS in some Warrington areas are being told to prepare for flooding following the arrival of Storm Eunice.

The Government’s Flood Information Service has issued both a flood alert and a more severe flood warning in the town.

The warning encompasses the River Mersey estuary within the Knutsford Road area at Victoria Park, while the alert states that flooding is possible at low lying land and roads at Howley, Bank Quay, Fiddlers Ferry, Knutsford Road, Eastford Road and Arpley Bridge.

A higher than usual Mersey tide is being given as the reason for the alerts, with flooding forecast between 1pm and 2.30pm.

The flood warning reads: “Storm Eunice is forecast to bring strong winds and higher tide than usual on the Mersey Estuary within the Knutsford Road area between 1.30pm and 2pm today, Friday.

“Areas most at risk include Victoria Park including the car park, bowling greens, running track, allotments, playground, skatepark and sports pitches between 1.15pm and 2.15pm.

“Once Storm Eunice has passed, we are not expecting to issue any further alerts or warnings.

“Our incident response staff are closely monitoring weather forecasts and will update if necessary.

“Please be aware of your surroundings and keep up to date with the current situation.”

The flood alert adds: “Storm Eunice is expected to cause higher tide than usual due to the forecast weather conditions.

“Flooding is possible at low lying land and roads at Howley, Bank Quay, Fiddlers Ferry, Knutsford Road, Eastford Road and Arpley Bridge between 1pm and 2.30pm today, Friday.

“Our incident response staff are closely monitoring weather forecasts and will issue flood warnings if necessary.

“Avoid using low lying footpaths and any bridges near local watercourses and do not attempt to walk or drive through flood water.”