Storm Babet brings travel chaos to West Midlands
Trains have been cancelled across the region
Last updated 20th Oct 2023
Heavy rain is contuining across the West Midlands today, and could last until early tomorrow afternoon - impacting travel plans for thousands across the region.
The Environment Agency said there are currently 17 flood warnings and over 100 flood alerts in place.
The Met Office has issued an amber rain warning in the north and east of the region with "flooding and disruption likely."
It's meant lots of trains have been cancelled including between Walsall and Rugeley Trent Valley, between Shrewsbury and Hereford and Wolverhampton, and between Hereford and Birmingham New Street.
West Midlands Fire Service (WMAS) have urged people not to drive through flood water after a car was pushed 30 metres down a fast-flowing river in Northfield, Birmingham.
The driver, a man believed to be in his early 40s, had attempted to pass through a ford in The Mill Walk at around 8.30am on Friday, WMAS said.
His vehicle was rapidly pushed downstream, before getting stuck, forcing the man to climb to safety on the roof of his vehicle, before using a tree branch to make his way to the embankment.
From there, he was led to safety by fire crews an hour after the initial 999 calls.
WMAS said he had a "lucky escape", adding: "We repeat: Do not drive into flood water. It puts you, and our firefighters who respond, in very real danger."
In Shropshire, the Wharfage is closing in Ironbridge as flood waters rise.
Telford and Wrekin warned people to move parked vehicles to allow its crews to install gully bungs - temporary seals to stop water rising from drains. The local authority said part of the Wharfage car park was also closing.
However, businesses remain open as usual and the council said they could be currently accessed via Buildwas Road for Dale End and Madeley Road for the Wharfage.
The A4117 Cleobury to Ludlow and A458 at Much Wenlock have already been closed due to flooding, and other routes in Shropshire are affected by heavy surface water and broken down vehicles.
Nationally, a red 'danger to life' warning remains in place after a second person died during the Storm in Scotland.
Police Scotland said a falling tree hit a van near Forfar in Angus on Thursday evening, killing the 56-year-old driver.
A 57-year-old woman also died on Thursday after being swept into a river in the county.