Flooding in Shropshire: Stay vigilant warning as river levels rise

Three flood warnings have been issued across Shropshire as river levels continue to rise in the wake of Storm Gerrit.

Warnings are in place for the River Severn at the Showground and The Quarry in Shrewsbury, and the River Vyrnwy at Maesbrook and Melverley.

The Environment Agency (EA) has also said a flood warning is likely for Bridgnorth.

Staff were "constantly monitoring" the situation, it added.

Chris Bainger, from the EA, told BBC Radio Shropshire river levels were rising in Shrewsbury and were expected to peak, but remain steady, on Friday afternoon or evening.

He added in Ironbridge, where flood barriers were put up on Wednesday, water levels would peak on Saturday.

"I expect the water will get over and we'll have to fully deploy the flood defences that are there," he said.

Mr Bainger said the Environment Agency was issuing a key message to the public amid the flood warnings.

"Do not enter flood waters. It is not worth going into, especially over the weekend when people will be out enjoying themselves," he said.

"Unfortunately, alcohol and rivers do not mix. We don't want people to end up being flood casualties.

"Act responsibly, look after your friends, take care of each other."

He also warned those out celebrating New Year's Eve this weekend to go to the toilet before leaving venues such as pubs, to prevent people falling into swollen rivers.

Mr Bainger has also urged people in Bridgnorth to remain vigilant as river levels continue to rise, with the peak also expected on Saturday.

"It is likely a flood warning will be issued [for Bridgnorth], so when there's a flood warning, people need to take action," Mr Bainger said.

"We will have Environment Agency officers out on the ground today just to give people a bit of an update on that," he told the BBC.

Flooding of properties, roads and farmland is expected in and around Shrewsbury and the EA anticipates flooding will affect offices at the West Midlands showground and Gravel Hill Lane.

Shrewsbury Parkrun, which hosts a 5k community run every Saturday morning in The Quarry, has cancelled this weekend's event.

On Friday, Shropshire Council said: "We expect flooding to affect low lying land and roads adjacent to the River Severn, from Shrewsbury to Upper Arley.

"Locations that may be affected are White Abbey, Coalbrookdale, Ironbridge and Bridgnorth."

At Maesbrook, river levels remain high but are falling at the Llanymynech river gauge.

However, further rises are forecast and flooding is expected to continue.

In Melverley, river levels are continuing to rise at Crew Green River gauge.

Consequently, flooding is expected to continue and is anticipated to affect properties and roads in and around Melverley.

Shropshire Council has also warned residents there is a possibility of flooding from the River Worfe and Upper Teme.

Concerned residents can call Floodline for advice on 0345 988 1188.

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