Storms Dudley and Eunice to hit Merseyside as Met Office issues ‘danger to life’ weather warning

Merseyside residents will need to be wary when stepping outside later this week as two storms are to hit the region from Wednesday, with a ‘yellow’ and ‘danger to life’ warning issued by the Met Office.

Storm Dudley is coming first, hitting the coastal edges of Merseyside, such as Hoylake and Formby, the worst on Wednesday night with winds reaching up to 57mph.

Dudley lingers into Thursday with winds beginning to drop around lunchtime.

Storm Eunice will follow quickly and the yellow weather warning remains in place for Merseyside on Friday, with gusts nearing 60mph and rain expected.

Residents are advised to take care and a ‘danger to life’ warning has been issued due to the chance of flying debris, damage to buildings and increased wave size in coastal areas.

Due to the severity of the winds, disruptions to transport, both public and private, should be expected.

Travel advice

National Highways Head of Road Safety Jeremy Phillips said: “We’re encouraging drivers to check the latest weather and travel conditions before setting off on journeys and consider if their journey is necessary and can be delayed until conditions improve.

“If you do intend to travel, then plan your journey and take extra care, allowing more time for your journey. 

“In high winds, there’s a particular risk to lorries, caravans and motorbikes so we’d advise drivers of these vehicles to slow down. 

“Drivers of other vehicles should be aware of sudden gusts of wind which can affect handling and braking, and give high-sided vehicles, caravans, and motorbikes plenty of space. In the event of persistent high winds we may need to close bridges to traffic for a period, so please be alert for warnings of closures and follow signed diversion routes.”