A WIRRAL road has been closed after it was blocked by a fallen tree during the aftermath of Hurricane Gonzalo - which is currently battering Merseyside.

The A551 Barnston Road in Barnston is currently closed both ways due to a fallen tree on Storeton Lane, close to the Fox and Hounds.

An embankment at the side of the road has also become unstable and will need to be made safe.

Merseysiders woke up today to the aftermath of Hurricane Gonzalo.

Forecasters warned of severe gales, with winds of up to 70mph expected around the River Mersey.

Gusts of up to 55mph are being experienced inland.

Have you taken a photo of today's dramatic weather? Email us at emma.rigby@newsquest.co.uk or tweet us @WIRRALGLOBENEWS

Wirral Globe:

This dramatic photograph of the Black Pearl being battered by stormy waves in New Brighton was taken by Globe reader Jan E Peddie.