Heavy rain forecast as amber alert is issued for Shropshire
More than a month's rain is expected to fall today bringing fears of flooding and disruption.
The Met Office yesterday issued an amber weather warning as rainfall totals could reach 40-60mm through today and into Saturday.
Saturated ground from the record rainfall in June could cause significant disruption - including difficult driving conditions and flooding in some areas.
Craig Woolhouse, Head of Flood Incident Management at the Environment Agency said: "We are expecting some very significant flooding in the coming days across large parts of the country, and would strongly urge people to sign up to flood warnings, keep a close eye on the forecasts for their area and be prepared for flooding.
“We would also ask that people stay safe, by keeping out of dangerous flood waters and not attempting to walk or drive through it.
"The Environment Agency has already opened incident rooms and has teams out on the ground checking on flood defences and clearing any blockages in order to reduce the risk of flooding as much as possible."
Thousands to see Jessie J in Shrewsbury
Despite the forecast rain thousands of people are expected to head to Shrewsbury’s Quarry Park this evening to watch British music industry’s rising star Jessie J perform.
Those attending are being advised to wear warm waterproof clothing and shoes.
Motorists urged to drive with caution
The Safer Roads Partnership in West Mercia is urging motorists across Shropshire to take care and exercise caution when driving this weekend.
Motorists are being urged to take extra care this weekend. If driving through larger puddles or smaller areas of standing water, drive slowly and steadily, allow oncoming traffic to pass and always test your brakes after leaving the water. If water has flooded across a section of road it may be difficult to tell exactly how deep it is. If you do come across a road that is flooded DO NOT attempt to drive through the flood water. Not only is this putting yourself in danger; as little as an egg cup of water entering your engine is enough to wreck it.
Anna Higgins from the Safer Roads Partnership said “We are urging all motorists to exercise caution in adverse weather conditions, use common sense and follow our simple advice. The storms that took place over the three counties last week highlighted just how quickly roads can become flooded and very dangerous. Stay alert to local weather and news reports and if your local area is experiencing flooding it’s advisable to leave any non essential travel until it has subsided.”
Record Breaking Rain
Last month was declared the wettest June since records began in 1910. April also topped the rankings as the wettest recorded for the UK.
June was also the second dullest on record with just 119.2 hours of sunshine, narrowly missing out on the record of 115.4 hours set in 1987. To complete the disappointing picture, it has also been the coolest June since 1991 with a mean temperature of 12.3°C.
Unsettled weather has never been far from the UK during the past three months, with only the latter half of May seeing a spell of prolonged fine weather.
