West Midlands Braces for Further Flooding After Storm Darragh

Parts of the West Midlands are on high alert as flood barriers have been erected following heavy rains from Storm Darragh. The Environment Agency (EA) has deployed defences at Coleham Head in Shrewsbury, with nearby roads like Longden Road and Hereford Road closed due to rising water levels. Flood warnings have been issued for rivers including the Severn, Wye, Sow, and Trent, with levels at the River Severn in Shropshire reaching over six metres, posing a risk to properties. The EA urged commuters to check for flooding before traveling.

The storm’s powerful winds toppled hundreds of trees over the weekend, causing widespread disruption. In Erdington, Birmingham, a driver tragically died when a tree fell on his car, and another man in Leamington Spa was seriously injured by a fallen tree. Thousands of homes and businesses remain without power, forcing school closures in Stourport-on-Severn and Telford. Train services are also disrupted, with damaged overhead lines and tracks causing cancellations and delays across the region.

Emergency repairs continue in affected areas, including the West Coast Main Line, while Shrub Hill station in Worcester has reopened after Sunday’s storm damage. The Severn is expected to peak in Shrewsbury by Monday afternoon, with more rain forecasted. Local authorities and the EA continue to monitor the situation, urging residents to stay cautious and prepare for further disruptions.

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