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Floods shut roads, halt trains and close schools

Birmingham flash floods have caused travel disruption, with the fire service attending cars in Selly Oak

Heavy rain and flash flooding has caused travel disruption and school closures across the West Midlands.

The Met Office issued yellow and amber weather warnings of heavy rain in the region until 06:00 BST on Friday.

Commuters were asked to plan ahead, as standing water affected buses, trains, and roads.

In one incident, West Midlands Fire Service rescued a driver from a car stranded in flood water on Ribblesdale Road in Selly Oak, Birmingham.

"The driver who called said water was up to his seat," the fire service said.

"Ribblesdale Road and Umbersdale Road are currently closed as crews help other vehicles caught up in the flood."

Trains between Wolverhampton and Shrewsbury were cancelled due to flooding on the railway line at Wellington, Telford, with replacement services put in place on roads in both directions.

Heavy flooding also caused cancellations and disruption to services at Birmingham Snow Hill, while trains between Spring Road and Hall Green were also not running.

Flood water under a railway bridge
There is an amber warning for rain in place until Friday morning

National Express reported several bus services had been diverted due to flooding, and added that it was accepting rail tickets from the Shirley, Snow Hill, and Stourbridge line.

Dozens of roads were closed on Thursday evening, including Bournville Road, Birmingham; Blackwell Road in Barnt Green, Worcestershire; and one lane of the M54 near junction six for Telford.

Luke Shelley A football ground where the pitch is not visible, and is completely flooded.Luke Shelley
AFC Telford United's pitch at the SEAH Stadium, in Wellington, was completely flooded

Wolves FC Academy's Premier League International Cup game against Monaco, due to be held at AFC Telford United's ground, was called off due to severe flooding on the pitch.

AFC Telford said parts of the lower floor of the stadium were also under water, and appealed for volunteers to help clear the site at 09:00 BST on Friday.

AFC Telford A black and white security footage screengrab. There is floodwater next to football standsAFC Telford
Security camera footage shows water inside the stadium

Several schools in the Birmingham area are closed on Friday:

  • Victoria School, Northfield
  • Longwill School for the Deaf, Bell Hill
  • Bournville School, Bournville
  • St John Fisher Catholic School, West Heath
  • St Brigid's Catholic Primary School, Northfield

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