Red alert on county flooding

Flood water gets near the flood barriers along the Wharfage, Ironbridge.Environment bosses today warned Shropshire residents to brace themselves amid fears the county could be one of the worst-flood hit areas in the country.

Torrential rain is expected to continue over the weekend and tributaries north of Shrewsbury have been identified as the hotspot for flooding. People are being advised to prepare emergency kits.

They are also being warned to clear out valuables as the River Severn continues to rise.


View Larger Map

Our floods map may take a few moments to load. Click on the icons to see details about the latest situation. Use the ‘plus’ button to scroll in and the ‘minus’ button to scroll back out. Clicking “View Larger Map” above will allow you to scroll and read details more easily.

A spokeswoman for the Environment Agency today said: “The river levels are dropping in Shrewsbury but due to the rain they are expected to rise again.

“We have got a flood warning in Shropshire on the River Severn from Buildwas to Coalport and we have flood watches on the river through Shropshire and on the Tern and Perry and the Severn Confluence.

“The river is still rising in Bridgnorth and at Crew Green and barriers remain up at Ironbridge and at Frankwell in Shrewsbury.”

An Environment Agency spokesman said: “We are warning people across the Midlands to prepare for flooding again over the next few days, as the latest weather forecast from the Met Office is predicting heavy rainfall.

“While everyone living in a flood-risk area should remain vigilant, we believe that flooding is especially likely to occur on the Severn and its tributaries north of Shrewsbury and in Gloucestershire.”

Flood forecasting team leader Richard Cross said: “Move valuables upstairs now. Identify a safe place where you, your family and pets can keep away from floodwater. Be ready to move livestock and cars to higher ground, if necessary.

“Tie down securely any loose items in the garden, such as garden furniture. These can get swept away and block watercourses, causing additional flooding.

“Gather essential items together - warm clothes, blankets, regular medication, torch, food, mobile phone and battery operated or wind-up radio.”

Rail services are still disrupted in Powys with replacement bus and taxi services running today.

Flooding between Welshpool and Newtown forced Arriva Trains to put on a replacement bus service.

Alan Ward (2)
Weston Park Proms Spectacular
Shropshire Star Classifieds (230a)
Dates 4 U (2)

8 Comments

  1. BK said:

    What does an emergency kit comprise of?

  2. dave said:

    A boat.

  3. michael said:

    for anyone who doesnt know what an emergency kit should contain, it should have the following, TINNED FOOD, TIN OPENER, CANDLES OR TORCH, BATTERIES, BATTERY POWERED RADIO OR A WIND-UP RADIO, BLANKETS OR THOSE FOIL TYPE BLANKETS AND A FULL FIRST AID KIT! AND I WILL ALSO GO WITH WHAT DAVE SAID, A BOAT!! oh and an internet connection and an internet capable device to view these instructions!!

  4. Flo Didout said:

    And a pair of wellies?

  5. Pete Scenters said:

    It’s obvious what an emergency kit comprises of. Anything that maybe of use in a flooding emergency. I.e blankets, first aid kit, mobile phone, food packs, drinking water. I thought people didn’t need things spelling ut to them.

  6. David said:

    snorkel and flippers.

  7. ignorant oik said:

    farmers cant complain as they now have ready made paddy fields–so get planting.

  8. Lucille Barrett said:

    Re Photos by Marcus Watkin (He is my nephew)I enjoyed seeing the past Flood Pictures and am glad they now have Flood Control– I do enjoy being able to get Shrewsbury news– I was raised nr.Nesscliffe and went to Priory School for Girls
    L Barrett ( Watkin )