Storm Christoph: Eleven Shropshire flood warnings in place

A number of major roads in Shropshire were closed after heavy flooding caused by Storm Christoph.

There were 11 flood warnings in place across the county, including eight on the River Severn.

Roads closed included parts of the A5, A41, A49 and A483 with one emergency service worker reporting "the worst driving conditions I have ever experienced".

In the North West and parts of Wales, people were evacuated from their homes.

In Woore, seven miles from Market Drayton, Peter Gill and his wife Marie had to be rescued along with their dog from a farm house on Wednesday night when it became surrounded by flood waters up to 3ft (0.9m) deep.

"[I'm] Devastated because we've spent a lot of money on this house and we just feel as though we're sort of abandoned really and we don't know quite what to do," he said.

Mr Gill added that the water was "coming like a river" down the road and on to the drive.

Coupled with a small brook on the property, he said the flood water quickly overwhelmed a culvert.

"Within half an hour we had probably looking at the house 18 inches of water totally around the house."

There have been more than 160 flood warnings in place across England, including about 40 in the West Midlands region, as well as a Met Office yellow warning for ice.

Shropshire Council said on Thursday afternoon that river levels would continue to rise overnight, with a peak of between 4.4m (14.4ft) and 4.8m (15.7ft) at the Welsh Bridge in Shrewsbury.

Floodwater blocked an entrance to a Covid-19 vaccination hub at The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital in Gobowen in the morning.

Shropshire firefighters have dealt with more than 70 calls.

Emergency services were called out to a number of people stranded in their cars on flooded roads near Hadnall and Oswestry.

A number of villages along the Severn have also been affected, including Montford Bridge.

Frankwell Riverside, Frankwell Main and St Julian's Friar's car parks in Shrewsbury were closed.

Flood defences have been deployed in Shrewsbury and Ironbridge, although the Environment Agency said river levels were not expected to reach those of last year.

Police advised people to avoid travelling unless their journey was "really necessary" saying some roads were "impassable".

As river levels rise, emergency services have reminded people that under lockdown rules, residents should leave their property if they are in danger.

Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service group commander Russ Hales said: "There's plans in place and you'll be held in reception areas or in suitable accommodation that will be deemed as being Covid safe or Covid appropriate."

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