The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for rain affecting Kirkby, Merseyside, which is expected to cause travel delays and localised flooding on January 29 and January 30, 2026. Forecasters say the heavy rain will likely disrupt daily commutes because the ground is already soaked from previous rainfall earlier in the week.
The warning is in place from 3:00 am on Thursday until 9:00 pm on Friday, with the heaviest bursts expected to coincide with the Thursday evening and Friday morning rush hours (critical window: Thursday 16:00 to Friday 10:00). Families heading to local schools like All Saints Catholic High School and Kirkby High School are being told to expect difficult conditions during the morning and afternoon runs.
Commuters using the M57 and the A580 (East Lancs Road) should watch out for significant road spray and standing water that could make driving dangerous. Those who use the train from Kirkby or Headbolt Lane should check for updates from Merseytravel and the rail operators (Merseyrail and Northern), as heavy rain frequently causes signalling issues and flooding on the tracks.
According to Knowsley Council, highways teams will be monitoring areas prone to flooding, such as Valley Road, and carrying out gully and drain clearance where needed to reduce the risk of surface-water build-up. The Environment Agency is also monitoring the River Alt; water levels are expected to rise if the rain continues into Friday morning and a Flood Alert may be issued.
Residents are advised to clear leaves from their household drains today to help prevent water damage to their properties. Drivers are reminded to avoid driving through deep puddles, particularly under railway bridges where water tends to collect and can trap vehicles.
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