Bus diversions are in place
Tree down in the strong winds on Merton Road, Bootle(Image: Liverpool Echo)
A major road has been partially closed this evening after a tree fell in Bootle. The incident happened on the westbound side of Merton Road, between Hawthorne Road and Stanley Road.
Video footage from the scene shows a large tree lying across one lane, with a police car stationed nearby to manage traffic. Motorists are currently being directed around the obstruction, reducing the road to a single lane and causing slow-moving traffic in the area.
Traffic monitoring service Inrix reported: “A5057 Merton Road Westbound partially blocked, slow traffic due to fallen tree between A5090 Hawthorne Road and A567 Stanley Road.”
The disruption has also affected public transport. Arriva North West announced diversions to several of its services via social media, advising passengers that buses 60, 58, and 58A are being rerouted.
The bus company posted on X (formerly Twitter): “Due to tree issue on Merton Road towards Bootle, services 60/58/58A are diverted via Balliol Road and Stanley Road.”
Tree down in the strong winds on Merton Road, Bootle(Image: Liverpool Echo)
Drivers are advised to avoid the area where possible and allow extra time for their journeys.
A yellow weather warning was in place from 8pm on Sunday, September 14 until 6pm today, Monday, September 15. Forecasters said strong and gusty winds were likely to cause some disruption to travel and interruptions to power.
In Merseyside, winds were forecast to peak at around 51mph and rain was also predicted for most of the day. The weather service said transport delays and large waves would affect coastal areas, with short-term power cuts possible.
The winds will being to slowly ease from the west this evening. The coming week will bring “changeable” conditions with periods of wind and rain throughout.
In preparation for the rough weather, people have been encouraged to secure loose items outside their properties and gardens from the forceful blasts.
They should also check for delays and road closures and be careful along coastal regions, the Met Office said.
For the latest news and breaking news visit liverpoolecho.co.uk/news Get all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you by signing up to our daily and breaking newsletter. Sign up to our breaking news newsletter here.
Follow us on Twitter @LivECHONews – the official Liverpool ECHO Twitter account – real news in real time. We’re also on