River level still high in Shrewsbury with more rain on the way
Flood prevention barriers weren't needed to protect a part of Shrewsbury on Monday after all, but the River Severn remains high and there is more rain in the forecast.
Shropshire Council issued an alert on New Year's Day evening to say that rising waters meant that flood prevention barriers were to be deployed in Frankwell and that the Frankwell Riverside car park was closed.
But the situation was updated on Monday, with first a reminder being issued that the car park was closed and the barriers were going up.
Two hours later, just before 10am, the council said: "Our partners at the Environment Agency say the flood barriers are not needed at Frankwell today. Frankwell Riverside car park will be open today as normal."
But a Shropshire Star photographer's pictures show that water levels in the river remain high. Footpaths in the town's famous River Severn loop remain cut off, and Stu Pugh even spotted a bicycle in the floodwaters.
On Monday afternoon four flood alerts remained in place across Shropshire after a weekend of heavy rain. River levels remain high but within the normal range, and the Environment Agency's flood checking service is showing water levels dropping back again, at least in the short term.
But there is more rain in the forecast, too.
Flooding is still possible along the River Severn and people have been urged to avoid low-lying footpaths or areas prone to flooding.
Four flood alerts remain in place at the River Dee catchment in England from Whitchurch to Chester, the River Severn in Shropshire, the Severn Vyrnwy confluence and the Tern and Perry catchments.
Weather forecasts issued today say that a band of rain will be heading to Wales, western England and Scotland during the early hours of Tuesday morning. The rain will be persistent and heavy at times.
On Tuesday rain will continue to sweep across the country. In the late morning, there will be some dry periods to the east as the rain turns more showery. However, more persistent rain will move in through the afternoon, lasting the evening.
The UK outlook for Wednesday and Thursday sees scattered showers for many, heavy at times in the morning. These will gradually fizzle out to leave some more bright spells, mainly towards the east.
The Environment Agency says there are three different types of messages issued when flooding is forecast – Flood Alert, Flood Warning and Severe Flood Warning. The Environment Agency is constantly monitoring rainfall, river levels and adverse weather conditions to forecast the possibility of flooding.
Flood Alerts indicate the possibility of flooding from rivers on low-lying land. Householders are encouraged to prepare if they receive a Flood Alert which could mean packing a bag that includes medicines, insurance documents et cetera, should the event escalate to a Flood Warning.
During a Flood Alert, avoid using low-lying footpaths near local watercourses and plan driving routes to avoid low-lying roads near rivers, which may be flooded.
Flood Warnings indicate that property-level flooding from rivers is expected, and imminent action is required.
Action can include turning off gas, water and electricity and moving family and pets to safety.
A Flood Warning has the potential to be upgraded to a Severe Flood Warning, so check for updates regularly.
A Severe Flood Warning notifies of severe flooding and an immediate danger to life.
During a Severe Flood Warning, follow the advice from emergency services and be prepared to evacuate your home. If you are in immediate danger, call 999.
