CHESHIRE West and Chester residents are being urged not to go to parks and woodlands on Friday, February 18, due to concerns over Storm Eunice.

Extreme weather is expected on Friday, with gusts of about 70mph to batter the region, and flooding possible in areas around Chester and Ellesmere Port when high tide hits around lunchtime.

The council said on social media tonight (Thursday): "Due to #StormEunice, we will be keeping our parks and their facilities closed until it is safe to reopen them. Please be prepared and avoid unnecessary travel."

The council added all household waste recycling centres will be closed until further notice.

Waste collections are still due to go ahead on Friday, but the council warned: "The Council’s Waste and Recycling collection service is being affected by adverse weather conditions. Whilst scheduled collections will continue to be made, the current high winds may unfortunately result in spillages and containers being blown around.

"Boxes need to be presented with lids on to contain the materials. If you don’t have a lid, please attempt to secure the items inside. Please close the lid on your wheeled bin and secure any bags that are due for collection. 

"Whilst every effort will be made to collect any spilt materials and return containers neatly once emptied, residents are advised to place out containers securely and collect them after emptying as soon as possible."

Residents have already been urged not to travel on railways on Friday, with Northern Rail and Merseyrail expecting service cancellations, while Transport for Wales has cancelled all train services in Wales for Friday.

Parts of Wales are expected to see even stormier conditions, with gales of up to 100mph forecast. Schools in Flintshire, Wrexham and Denbighshire will be closed on Friday.

Drivers of high-sided vehicles or other 'vulnerable' vehicles, such as bikers or those towing a caravan, are also urged not to travel on several motorway sections on Friday.

Chester Zoo confirmed earlier today it would be closed tomorrow.

To report Storm Eunice-related incidents on Friday, call the council on 0300 123 7036 or report them online at https://www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/residents/contact-us/report-it/report-it.aspx