Flooding continues to impact West Midlands after Storm Henk lashes UK

Transport delays are expected to continue today, as train services get back on track following Storm Henk sweeping the UK.

Emergency services have been out across the West Midlands, responding to calls from people stuck in flood water.

One involved a three-year-old girl who was trapped in a car in Hall Green yesterday. She and the driver were rescued by a local man prior to police getting there.

National Rail said trains are still being delayed today because they are running at reduced speeds. Its website states: "Trains between Warwick Parkway and Leamington Spa are having to run at a reduced speed due to heavy rain flooding the line towards London. Trains may be delayed by up to 15 minutes."

Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service was called out to The Ford in Kenilworth to rescue a motorist who got stuck trying to drive through flood water.

We are being warned to take care as emergency services are stretched with increased demand.

West Midlands Ambulance Service posted on X, formerly Twitter, after treating five people from four separate incidents last night and yesterday afternoon.

Its statement said: "The first thing you need to do in heavy rain is consider whether you actually need to be out driving.

"If it is necessary, then the simple advice is that you should not drive into flood water that's more than 10cm (four inches) deep.

The ambulance service continued: "Also, remember that the Highway Code states that stopping distance will be at least double in wet weather because your tyres will have less grip on the road.

"If you can't avoid driving through water, do so slowly, but if possible, find an alternative route."

West Midlands Railway was severely disrupted yesterday because of the flooding, with services cancelled.

The advice

Warwickshire County Council has issued this advice:

• Please avoid driving through flood water. Just a few inches of water can float your car and damage your engine. Most deaths caused by flooding, happen when people are trapped in their car.
• If you can’t see the road through the water because it is too dirty or deep, you will have no way of knowing if there are manholes present that pose a huge danger.
• If you’re out walking your dog, please keep clear of flooded areas. It can become quite dangerous around rivers. Which means that you could easily lose your footing and fall in.
• Be careful walking in floodwater that is above knee level, it can easily knock you off your feet. The water could cover open manholes, road works or objects and you won’t be able to see them.
• Do not touch items that have been in contact with the water. Flood water is likely to be contaminated and could contain sewage. Disinfect and clean thoroughly anything that has got wet.

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