Heavy rain causes flooding in Shropshire
The Environment Agency is advising people to remain vigilant and prepared for flooding following heavy rain yesterday evening and overnight.
With the rain falling on already saturated ground, there is a risk of flooding from rivers and surface water flooding where rain overwhelms drainage systems.
Last night Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service received around 50 calls to flooding incidents across Shropshire. Over the course of 14 hours the service rescued at least 10 people from flooding related incidents.
A number of static mobile homes in the Ditton Mill area of Cleobury Mortimer were evacuated last night following flooding from the heavy rain. A disabled resident was helped to safety by firefighters from Cleobury Mortimer who attended the scene. Two people were also rescued in Cleobury.
In Minsterley at The Grove and in Ludlow several people were rescued from flood water. A man was also rescued from a flooded lane in Dorrington during the early hours of this morning.
The A49 between Craven Arms Bromfield is closed in both directions to cars following flooding, the road is open to larger vehicles. The A4117 at Upton Bank is also closed to cars.
The Environment Agency has issued a number of Flood Alerts across the county:
Flood Alert - River Severn in Shropshire
Flood Alert - Severn Vyrnwy Confluence
Flood Alert - Rea and Cound Brooks and their tributaries
Flood Alert - River Teme and its tributaries downstream of Ludlow
Flood Alert - River Teme, River Onny and River Corve & their tributaries upstream of Ludlow
Motorists are being urged to take extra care in adverse weather conditions. 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. For standing water that looks deep motorists are being reminded not to attempt to pass through the flood water.
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 have taken place recently highlight just how quickly roads can become flooded and very dangerous. Stay alert to local weather and news reports and visit the Environment Agency website for the latest flood information. If your local area is experiencing flooding it’s advisable to leave any non essential travel until it has subsided.”
