Flash floods hit Shropshire roads and railways as weather warning extended for another nine hours

Drivers are being urged to plan ahead and not drive through floodwater while several roads around Shropshire face flooding as the county battles another bout of heavy rain.

Photos show a car stuck in floodwater at Nesscliffe, while drivers have been seen pushing through water on Welshpool Road in Shrewsbury too.

Flood warnings were issued for the River Vyrnwy near Maesbrook and Melverley and at Brimfield Brook, near Brimfield.

A spokesperson for Shropshire Council said: "Shropshire is currently experiencing some intense rainfall. We're aware of a number of locations where the road is affected by flooding.

"If you are travelling today, consider if your journey is necessary and please don't attempt to drive though floodwater."

Railway lines between Shrewsbury, Crewe/Wrexham and Craven Arms have also been affected, with flooding on the line between Wolverhampton and Wolverhampton, between Wem and Yorton and in south Shropshire.

Rail replacement buses have been called in to help after services between Wolverhampton and Birmingham were affected.

A tree blocking one of the lines between Chirk and Ruabon and flooding at Gobowen have also caused additional disruption to train services.

Network Rail is warning passengers that journeys "will take significantly longer than normal" and disruption is expected until the end of the day.

Earlier today, police were warning drivers to avoid Station Road in Gobowen town centre after heavy rain caused a flash flood.

At around 12pm, the road was flooded at the junction of Coldwell Gardens and the level crossing. According to police, waves being caused by vehicles attempting to drive through the flood were taking water into some nearby homes.

A spokesperson for Oswestry's Safer Neighbourhood Team said: "Station Road, Gobowen has seen a flash flood with the junction of Coldwell Gardens and the Level Crossing. Highways have been informed and will be out to close the roads and assist where possible.

"The road is flooded and the waves from passing vehicles is entering some nearby homes. Please find alternative routes."

Traffic data also suggested that the A538 through Cockshutt and Holyhead Road (old A5) through Nesscliffe have also been badly hit, with Loton Councillor Ed Potter reporting that vehicles were getting stuck in the water at Nesscliffe.

Drivers taking the A49 near Church Stretton and Craven Arms were turned around by police due to flooding on the road.

At around 3pm, National Highways confirmed the road had been closed. A spokesperson said: "The A49 in Shropshire is closed in both directions between B4368 near Craven Arms and B4371 near Church Stretton due to flooding. West Mercia Police are on scene and National Highways area team."

Signed diversions have been put in place.

Firefighter and Station Manager, Craig Jackson from Shropshire Fire and Rescue reported the service was "receiving a number of calls" about vehicles stuck in flood water and urged drivers not to enter the water.

A yellow weather warning for rain covering the entirety of Shropshire is in place, until 9pm on Wednesday. The warning had previously been in place until midday.

The Environment Agency has also issued two flood alerts, one alert for the Cleobury Mortimer, Neen Sollars and Caynham area and another for the area around Bishop's Castle, Church Stretton, Knighton and Ludlow.

The flood alert for Ledwyche Brook and River Rea was put in force on Tuesday afternoon and warns of possible flooding of roads and farmland. More rain is forecast.