Shropshire weather: Flood alerts for county as Storm Dennis bears down on Britain
Flood alerts remained in place in Shropshire and Mid Wales today as the country braced itself for Storm Dennis to hit, less than a week after Storm Ciara wreaked havoc.
The Met Office has heightened weather warnings across the UK due to the risk of flooding posed by Storm Dennis.
The fourth named storm of the 2019-2020 season will hit the country from Saturday morning, bringing strong winds and heavy rain.
A yellow warning for wind covers Shropshire from 10am on Saturday until midnight on Sunday, as well as a yellow warning for rain.
Flood alerts, meaning flooding is possible - be prepared, were in place for the River Severn in Shropshire and Worcestershire, River Worfe, the Severn Vyrnwy confluence, Tern and Perry Catchments and the River Dee Catchment in England from Whitchurch to Chester.
The Environment Agency said river levels remain high on stretches of the Severn and that flooding of roads and farmland is likely.
While no major issues are expected, experts warn that areas including Crew Green, Montford, Welshbridge, Bridgnorth and Buildwas are vulnerable.
An Envrionment Agency spokesman said: “Flooding is affecting low lying land and roads adjacent to the river from Shrewsbury to Upper Arley.”
The Agency said other vulnerable areas included White Abbey, Leighton, Coalbrookdale, Ironbridge and Bridgnorth and said roads could be affected in Market Drayton, Wem and Rodington.
Nationally, disruption to transport is expected as heavy rain and strong winds are set to batter the UK for a second consecutive weekend.
The Met Office has issued severe weather warnings ahead of the arrival of Storm Dennis, covering England, Wales and large parts of Scotland on Saturday, and the entire UK on Sunday.
These include amber warnings stating that flooding could cause a danger to life, power cuts are expected and there is a good chance transport links will be impacted.
Winds of up to 70mph and severe downpours are forecast.
The Environment Agency issued 16 flood warnings for England – where flooding is “expected” – and 109 of its less serious flood alerts.
Network Rail advised passengers to expect disruption on many routes due to flooding and allow more time for their journeys.
Tracks could be flooded as the ground near parts of the railway is already saturated, particularly in the North West.
Cross-border journeys between England and Scotland were severely restricted last weekend.
Network Rail passenger director Jake Kelly said: “Storm Ciara dumped a month-and-a-half of rain on us last weekend, leaving ground waterlogged and rivers swollen.
“We had a lot of flooding in the North West and a lot of it disrupted the railway, for example at Todmorden and Caldew near Carlisle.
“With Storm Dennis set to bring more high winds and further rainfall this Saturday and Sunday, we’re preparing for more of the same.”
Households living near rail lines are being urged to secure any loose items in their gardens, after several trampolines were blown onto tracks and overhead electric wires last weekend, blocking lines.
The storm is also likely to cause treacherous driving conditions.
AA Patrol of the Year Ben Sheridan said: “Cupid’s arrow has definitely missed the mark this weekend as we’re in for another round of grisly weather with Storm Dennis.
“The forecast looks bleak across the UK with warnings for wind and heavy rain which will significantly reduce visibility on the roads.
“Last weekend many people heeded travel warnings and avoided venturing out. It looks like another cosy weekend in could be on the cards for many as rain pours cold water on their plans.
“For those who are braving the storm, drivers should make sure they account for the conditions. Slow down, allow for greater stopping distances and watch out for potential hazards.”
