Shrewsbury Weir off-limits and parkrun cancelled as River Severn floods take hold
Police have warned people to avoid a popular riverside spot in Shrewsbury after flood water submerged footpaths.
West Mercia Police shared pictures of the River Severn overflowing at Shrewsbury Weir from Castlefields, and insisted people should not walk or drive through the water.
The photos show benches and bins submerged, and the weir itself is barely visible.
A statement read: "FLOOD ALERT. Sydney Avenue at The Weir #Shrewsbury is now in #flood.
"Please do not ignore the road closed signs. There is no vehicular or pedestrian access.
"Do not attempt to drive or walk in flood water."
This Saturday's edition of Shrewsbury's weekly parkrun, which takes place in the Quarry, has been cancelled due to floodwater spilling onto the pathways.
A statement from organisers said: "We’ve made the difficult decision to cancel tomorrow’s Shrewsbury Parkrun due to river levels. The pathway is already flooded and not due to peak until Saturday PM.
"We will monitor the river closely ahead of New Year's Day."
River levels are now expected to peak in the county over the weekend and on Monday after a battering from Storm Gerrit.
Flood defences were put up in Shrewsbury and Ironbridge earlier this week as the Environment Agency prepared for the impact of the swollen River Severn. A flood warning issued for Shrewsbury on Thursday afternoon said that flooding of property, roads and farmland is "expected" and that the river is likely to peak at the Welsh Bridge on Monday afternoon.
A flood warning was issued for The Quarry and The Showground in the county town on Thursday evening after a day of heavy rain.
It comes after the county was hit by extremely strong winds and rain from Storm Gerrit early yesterday.
