Merseyside Flooding and Ice Warning Disrupt Travel, Emergency Services Respond
A prolonged period of heavy rainfall caused widespread disruption across Merseyside on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, leading to significant flooding and a subsequent yellow weather warning for ice issued by the Met Office. The severe weather also contributed to a traffic incident involving a pedestrian, prompting a response from emergency services.
Widespread Flooding Impacts Roads and Public Transport
Heavy downpours left several major routes impassable, impacting commuters and residents throughout the region. Princes Road and Ullet Road in Toxteth were partially submerged, while a section of Queens Drive was forced to close due to the depth of the water. Further afield, Carr Lane in Prescot was shut in both directions as conditions rendered the road unsafe for travel.
Traffic monitoring service Inrix reported substantial delays on the M56 eastbound, partially blocked near junction 15 by standing water. The disruption extended into Liverpool city centre, where Myrtle Street and surrounding areas experienced significant flooding.
Arriva North West warned passengers of widespread disruption, stating that all services in the city region were facing delays and potential cancellations due to the “adverse weather conditions.” The operator later confirmed diversions on Queens Drive, rerouting its 68 service via Rose Lane in both directions to circumvent floodwater.
Emergency Response to Traffic Incident on Allerton Road
Adding to the day’s challenges, emergency services responded to a collision on Allerton Road at approximately 5:10 PM. A male pedestrian was struck by a vehicle at the junction of Allerton Road and Mapledale Road. The injured man was transported to a local hospital for evaluation. Authorities established a police cordon, closing the road at the Rose Lane junction and diverting traffic towards Calderstones Road.
Icy Conditions Expected as Temperatures Plummet
As the region begins to recover from the flooding, a new threat looms: ice. The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning effective from 12:00 AM on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, and lasting until 11:00 AM. Forecasters predict an “Arctic blast” will bring a strong, very cold northerly airflow, making conditions feel significantly colder.
“By Wednesday, we’ll all be firmly under the colder Arctic airmass, with a strong and very cold northerly flow making temperatures feel even colder,” a Met Office spokesperson stated.
Authorities are urging residents to exercise extreme caution, warning of icy patches on untreated roads, pavements, and cycle paths, and an increased risk of slips and falls. The combination of rain, potential hill snow, and clearing skies overnight is expected to exacerbate the risk of ice formation on Wednesday morning. Residents and motorists are advised to plan ahead and allow extra time for journeys as conditions deteriorate.
