Storm Babet: Flash floods hit Shropshire and Herefordshire

Police are warning motorists to drive to the conditions due to heavy rainfall which has caused flash flooding in parts of Shropshire and Herefordshire.

The Met Office has reissued a yellow weather warning for heavy rain affecting the West Midlands and Wales which is valid until 6am tomorrow, Saturday 21 October 2023.

Driving conditions are difficult, and the A4117 Cleobury to Ludlow and A458 at Much Wenlock have already been closed due to flooding, and other routes affected by heavy surface water and broken down vehicles.

People are warned to expect:

• Fast flowing or deep floodwater is possible, causing a danger to life
• Homes and businesses could be flooded, causing damage to some buildings
• Some communities may be cut off by flooded roads
• Delays or cancellations to train and bus services are possible
• Spray and flooding could lead to difficult driving conditions and some road closures
• Possible power cuts and loss of other services to some homes and businesses.

Latest Flood Warnings and Alerts

A spokesperson for West Mercia Police told Sunshine Radio: "We are starting to receive an increase in 999 calls related to flooding. Please only call 999 in an emergency."

"If you come across a road that is flooded, please do not attempt to drive through it. As well as putting yourself and others in danger, it could damage your vehicle."

"In all other areas, roads will be extremely wet and stopping distances could double."

"Take extra care, slow down and keep back from the vehicle in front."

Assistant Chief Fire Officer Guy Williams at Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service said: "We are working closely with partner agencies to minimise any impact the heavy rainfall has on the public. Flood precautions are being put in place and our crews are ready to respond to life risk flood related incidents.

"We ask the public to follow our advice and not to drive through flood water. Unfortunately we have already seen incidents where a car is stuck in the water today and we are hoping to avoid other motorists becoming trapped. Although the water may look shallow enough to drive through it is extremely difficult to tell and so we ask drivers to avoid taking the risk.

"The roads in general will be more dangerous during the current weather conditions and we ask you to avoid driving unless absolutely necessary, reduce your speed and take extra care if you do have to drive.

"Our Fire Control Team have already received more than 200 calls during rush hour this morning (Friday) and are still extremely busy with incoming reports. Please only call 999 if there is an emergency such as a threat to life or water is affecting electrics. We are of course still responding to all other emergency calls such as fire and collisions etc. If you have concerns for road conditions or need to report flooding please contact your local council.

"We will continue to share safety advice and updates on our social media pages so please follow us to get the latest information."

School Closures

A number of schools across South Shropshire have closed early due to flooded roads.

Find the latest closures here.

Public Transport

Transport for Wales have cancelled all services on Transport for Wales between Hereford and Shrewsbury due to flooding at Church Stretton.

⚠️DIWEDDARIAD: Ar ôl glaw trwm a llifogydd rydym yn awgrymu i gwsmeriaid peidiwch teithio

⚠️UPDATE: After heavy rains and flooding we are advising passengers do not travel pic.twitter.com/5hGPXVsuCF

— Trafnidiaeth Cymru Trenau Transport for Wales Rail (@tfwrail) October 20, 2023