Storm Franklin: 'Threat to life' warning as 'significant flooding' expected along River Severn
A "danger to life" flood warning has been issued for parts of the West Midlands as heavy rainfall and winds batter the region due to Storm Franklin.
Residents have been told to prepare to evacuate as extremely high water levels on the River Severn threaten to over-top flood barriers in Bewdley.
The Environment Agency said there is likely to be "significant river flooding along the River Severn for several days".
It comes as amber and yellow weather warnings are set to cover most of the UK as Storm Franklin hits the country just days after Storm Eunice destroyed buildings and left 1.4 million homes without power.
The Met Office has issued an amber warning for wind which could cause "travel delays, road and rail closures, power cuts and the potential risk to life and property".
"Over the coming days, the risk of flooding in the Midlands poses the greatest threat to communities", the Environment Agency confirmed.
A severe flood warning has been issued for Beales Corner in Bewdley.
Environment Agency Area Duty Manager for Worcestershire Gary Bywater said: “We are facing a significant flood risk at Beales Corner in Bewdley and urging people to remain vigilant and take extreme care.
"Heavy rain, affecting already wet areas, is likely to cause significant river flooding along the River Severn for several days.
“We have teams out on the ground taking preventative action and we are working with other agencies to support people who need to evacuate their homes. “We advise people to stay away from swollen rivers and not to drive through flood water as just 30cm of flowing water is enough to move your car.”
The Environment Agency said residents are strongly urged to evacuate their homes during the flood and are being supported by the police and councils.
Katharine Smith, flood duty manager at the Environment Agency, said: "We are still facing a significant flooding risk, and we are urging people to remain vigilant and take extreme care.
"Heavy rain, affecting already wet areas, is likely to cause significant river flooding along the River Severn until Wednesday.
"We have teams out on the ground taking preventative action, closing flood gates, deploying temporary barriers and moving pumps and other response equipment to areas of highest risk.
"While a handful of properties have sadly flooded over the past few days, Environment Agency defences have protected more than 40,000 properties despite record river levels.
"We advise people to stay away from swollen rivers and not to drive through flood water as just 30cm of flowing water is enough to move your car."