A RED flood warning and an amber flood alert remain in place in Warrington.

A series of warnings and alerts have been issued by the Environment Agency over the past 48 hours following periods of heavy and prolonged rainfall.

Flooding has been reported in areas across the town, with the warning and alert now focussing on the River Mersey this afternoon, Friday.

The red flood warning, which states ‘flooding is expected – act now’, is for Arpley Road and a small section of Chester Road close to Bridge Foot.

It states: “This flood warning has been issued due to the high tide forecast this afternoon.

“We currently do not anticipate the flood warning level to be met during this high tide, but the current forecast anticipates the flood warning level will be met during the high tide in the early hours of Saturday morning.

“Areas most at risk include parts of Chester Road and Arpley Road and underneath Arpley Railway Bridge.

“We are expecting higher than normal tides over the next four days. Our incident rooms are on standby, and we are closely monitoring the situation.

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

The flood warning and alert in force in WarringtonThe flood warning and alert in force in Warrington (Image: EA)

“This message will be updated this afternoon by 5pm, or as the situation changes.”

The amber flood alert meanwhile, which states ‘flooding is possible – be prepared’, is for areas of Latchford, Howley, Cardinal Newman High School, Victoria Park, Centre Park, Lower Walton, Sankey Bridges and Penketh.

It states: “This flood alert has been issued due to the high tide forecast this afternoon.

“Flooding is possible at low-lying lands and roads from 1pm.

“It is possible that river levels may affect Arpley Road under the railway bridge.

“We currently anticipate the flood alert level to be met during the next high tide tomorrow morning, Saturday.

“Our incident rooms are on standby, and we are closely monitoring the situation. 

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

“This message will be updated this afternoon by 5pm, or as the situation changes.”