River flood alert remains

Shropshire and Mid Wales remained on flood alert today as roads were closed and barriers remained up.

Flood warnings remained in place for the River Severn in Shrewsbury and the Lower Dee Valley from Llangollen to Chester.

Firefighters and a farmer rescued a motorist stranded in rising floodwater near Oswestry.

The crew from Oswestry commandeered farmer Raymond Morris's tractor to reach the motorist, who was trapped in his 4x4 at Maesbrook, and then pulled the driver to safety.

The Severn at Ironbridge was expected to peak later today.

In the Shrewsbury area, the river level rose to the base of the Quantum Leap sculpture in Mardol Quay Gardens.

Julian Mayes, a forecaster with the weather division of the Press Association, said in excess of 250mm (9.8 inches) of rain fell in some parts of the sodden county.

He added: "It looks like a very historical event.

"It may well have broken the record for rainfall in the area in November."

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