Shropshire hit by flooding as Storm Bronagh sweeps in

Floods have been reported in Shrewsbury and Newport and a flood alert warning is still in place for Llanymynech on the Severn Vyrnwy Confluence, Tern and Perry Catchments and along the River Sow and River Penk near the Shropshire border.

And although the worst of the storms have now subsided, the Met Office is warning people to still be careful in potentially high winds.

A yellow wind warning that had been in place overnight has been extended to 6pm tonight, and a new warning for Sunday into Monday has also be announced.

Rachael West, of the Met Office, said: "Storm Bronagh is moving towards the north and east and we are going to continue to see strong, blustery and gusty north-westerly winds.

"We are looking at gusts of between 45 and 55mph across the UK and associated with that some heavy showers with some hail and thunder."

Chris Bainger, of the Environment Agency, noticed some flooding on the Underdale Road Shrewsbury – and the effect of heavy rains on the River Severn.

"Well looks like the season has changed," he tweeted. "There's a bit of water around. Remember to be flood aware.

"There's a touch more water in the Severn in Shrewsbury than a few weeks ago. I sense salmon on the horizon."

The storms forced people in doors, leaving usually busy areas completely empty.

Police in Shrewsbury tweeted a picture of an empty Pride Hill, in Shrewsbury.

"Shrewsbury Town Centre Team on foot patrol in Pride Hill this afternoon," they wrote.

"Not a soul around due to the little bit of a shower we have had."

There have also been reports of flooding on the Ellesmere to Shrewsbury road, particularly outside the Albrighton Hall Hotel.

Trains between Shrewsbury and Machynlleth in mid Wales were cancelled because of flooding between Caersws and Machynlleth.

Passengers had to use buses instead.

In Newport residents have been asked to keep an eye on vulnerable neighbours due to the bad weather.

Councillor Eric Carter, ward member for Hampton Drive, said there had been a problem with drains in the area for several months.

"Every time there's heavy rain we get floods," he said.

"It is an issue I am dealing with with residents. One of the residents rang me yesterday informing me of the latest flooding issues."

Councillor Thomas Janke said people should look out for those around them during the bad weather.

"Please check in with any vulnerable neighbours who may find themselves feeling isolated or in trouble due to water levels," he said.

Restrictions

Across the country, gales blew up to 76mph.

Bronagh brought heavy rain as it swept across the country, hot on the heals of the year's first named storm, Storm Ali.

In south-west Wales there were 12 flood warnings in place on Friday morning, with nearly 40 flood alerts issued across the country, while there were individual warnings in place in Staffordshire, Chesterfield and South Yorkshire, with more than 30 alerts across the north of England and West Midlands.

Speed restrictions were in place for many trains across the network in Wales and the west and north of England due to high winds, which were forecast to reach between 45 and 50mph across much of the country.