Shropshire and Mid Wales face wettest July as more rain predicted

Shropshire and Mid Wales were today braced for the wettest July ever – following hot on the heels of a washout May and the wettest June on record.

Heavy overnight rain has left the region saturated with localised flooding on many roads and river levels rising.

The Environment Agency has issued flood warnings for the river Tern outside Market Drayton, Rea Brook in Shrewsbury and the river Lugg south of Leominster.

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About 20-30mm, or 1in, of rain is expected to fall today and the county is bracing itself for more floods as the weather worsens later in the week.

The wet weather is expected to continue until at least Thursday, when the rain will be heavier and more prolonged for the Queen's visit to the county.

Met Office weather expert Michael Lawrence said: "Although the amounts are not that exceptional, river catchments are already very full and the ground is quite saturated so there could be problems."

"Heavy rain is expected early today and to become more widespread through the morning before clearing away eastwards. However, some heavy showers or thunderstorms are expected to develop in places."

Heavy rain overnight is expected to be just the start of bad weather for the week, with the Environment Agency advising people to be alert to the risk of flooding tomorrow and Thursday.

The Environment Agency has issued seven flood warnings and 38 flood alerts.

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