Widespread flooding creates chaos on Midlands roads and railways

Heavy rainfall has led to road closures, flooded properties and railway lines.

West Mercia Police has said that many rural roads around Shropshire are under water due to flash flooding. Fire crews pulled one car from floodwater near Church Stretton and another from water in Harton where a motorist was trapped. Crews were also called to homes in Wem and Market Drayton where water was threatening electrical systems.

Several rail lines in and out of Shrewsbury have been affected and replacement buses are being used. Network Railhas also issued a traffic alert for passengers travelling in and out of Birmingham New Street.

A spokesperson said: “The railway is flooded at Trentham near Stoke-on-Trent. We’re working as fast as we can to pump away the flood water. Passengers are advised to check @nationalrailenq or their train operator for latest travel info. More heavy rain is forecast.”

There’s also flooding affecting low-lying roads around the River Stour and Smestow Brook in the Black Country and South Staffordshire.

Students at Staffordshire University said their halls of residence had been evacuated and fire crews were there to help pump out flood water.

How to prepare for flooding:

You can check whether you're at risk from flooding by entering your postcodeon the Environment Agency’s website.

You can also download the ‘Prepare Act Survive’ flood guide .

If you live in an area at risk of flooding, prepare a bag of essential items now to take with you if you have to leave your home. Keep this in a safe place. You could include things like spare medication, glasses, clothing, important documents and contact numbers.

Create a checklist of things to do to protect your family such as turning off the electricity and gas to prevent a fire. You could also add important contact details such as the number of your insurance company.