Residents in Kirkby, Merseyside, are being warned of heavy rain and wind gusts of up to 47 mph starting late Monday, January 26, 2026, and continuing into the Tuesday morning commute on January 27, 2026. The storm is expected to bring between 20mm and 40mm of rain in a short period, which could cause water to build up on roads and lead to travel delays during the Tuesday morning commute.
The Met Office has warned of likely travel disruption. Rail operators commonly impose precautionary speed restrictions on Merseyrail services in high winds, and high-sided vehicles are more vulnerable on motorways such as the M57 and M58. Drivers using the A580 (East Lancashire Road) are advised to take extra care, as surface water is likely to make driving conditions difficult.
The Environment Agency is monitoring the River Alt; current monitoring indicates river defences are holding, but officials say surface-water flooding on roads remains the most immediate threat to commuters. Knowsley Council’s highways teams are responsible for clearing gullies and managing road drainage—residents can report blocked drains or other concerns to the council (0151 443 2400).
Residents can use the Flood Map for Planning to check long-term river and coastal flood zones for their street, but for live, on-the-day flood warnings and surface-water risk they should consult the Environment Agency’s ‘Check for Flooding’ service. It is also recommended to secure loose garden furniture and move cars away from large trees before the strongest winds arrive overnight.
For latest forecasts and live alerts, check the Met Office warnings page, Merseyrail service updates, and the Environment Agency ‘Check for Flooding’ service.
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