Torrential rain and flash flooding sparks road and rail chaos across Birmingham

Parts of Birmingham have been hit by flash flooding after hours of non-stop torrential rain - sparking chaos on the roads and rail network.

A blast of icy-cold temperatures, torrents of rainfall and heavy winds hit the region on Thursday morning - and looks set to continue well into tonight.

One Audi driver got stuck in murky water on Green Road, Hall Green, where the River Cole has burst its banks.

The persistent rain is affecting bus and train journeys, with at least one rail line currently blocked.

West Midlands Railway say services running between Birmingham Snow Hill and Stratford Upon Avon will be cancelled or delayed after flooding on the line.

And there are reports of heavy congestion on the A46 near Longbridge, also due to flooding.

The Met Office warned: "Periods of rain are expected to become widespread, persistent and locally heavy across parts of England and Wales through Thursday.

"Rainfall totals of 15-25 mm are likely widely with the potential for some spots to see 40-60 mm.

"Rain will ease from the west during Thursday afternoon and evening."Because of heavy rain causing flooding in the Wilmcote area, the rail line between Stratford Upon Avon and Birmingham Snow Hill is blocked.

Trains running to and from those stations will be cancelled or delayed, with disruption is expected to last until at least 4pm.

Road transport is due to operate between Shirley and Stratford, but coaches may not be able to call at all stations en route.Yardley resident Jacqueline Billington said: “Please all be careful coming down Gilbertstone Avenue. There are flood notices out just past the bend.

“The water is very deep but i’ve still seen some idiot drivers trying to bomb through it.

“If the council cleared out drains it wouldn’t flood like this. It always happens on this part of the road. The people living in that area sometimes get the floodwater going up their driveways and into their homes.”