Winds expected to bring a battering to Shropshire

Strong winds are expected to add to treacherous conditions as 24 flood warnings and 25 flood alerts remain in place across the Midlands, with more alerts likely to be issued today.

Last night there were five floods warning in place in Shropshire, in Jackfield and Ironbridge, Quatford, Hampton Loade and Highley, Bridgnorth and the Showground and Quarry in Shrewsbury.

The worst-hit area was the Welsh hills, which saw 60mm of rain fall overnight, which Shropshire experienced less than 10mm of rain.

Torrential rainfall that has battered the county, has now pushed through, although light rain is still expected tomorrow and into the weekend.

The Environmental Agency confirmed that river levels remain high and likely to continue to rise.

Catherine Ellis, spokeswoman for the Environmental Agency said: "We are closely monitoring main rivers including the Severn, Wye, Dove and Trent.

"Teams have been checking flood defences, clearing river blockages and closely monitoring levels."

Barriers in Frankwell and Shrewsbury remain in place as weather conditions are described as 'unsettled' for the rest of the week. Residents in flood affected areas are urged to remain vigilant.

Temperatures in the next few days are likely to be above the UK average at between 10 and 11C (50-51 degrees Fahrenheit), a Met Office spokesman said.

But the weekend will be colder, with overnight temperatures dropping to around 1 to 2C (33-35 degrees Fahrenheit).

Councillor Simon Jones, Shropshire Council's Cabinet member responsible for highways, said: "With rain continuing to be forecast, we are well prepared in the event of any flooding with well-rehearsed flood plans in place and staff on standby 24 hours a day."

Telford & Wrekin Council confirmed that flood barriers remain up in Ironbridge as the river Severn was peaking yesterday and further rain in Wales overnight means that there is the risk of further peaks today.

Flooding has continued to cause chaos with drivers.

Neil Hardwick from Oswestry, took a picture of a silver car that ended up submerged in a field at Llanymynech. It is reported the driver became stuck and had no choice but to abandon the car on the waterlogged road.

As flood water continued to rise, the car was swept into a nearby field.

Motorists across the region are being urged to take care, as travel disruption across some routes is expected to continue into the weekend.

Vicki Bristow from the Safer Roads Partnership said: "We are urging all motorists to exercise caution in these conditions.