Travel chaos and floodwater rescue as Storm Darragh wreaks havoc in Shropshire

Firefighters from Montgomery rescued someone from a vehicle stuck in floodwater near Welshpool airport. Crews used wading gear and a rescue boat as they brought the person to safety.

And the roof of a primary school building in Chirk has been badly damaged. It is understood Ysgol Y Waun has sent a letter to parents saying it will be closed on Monday.

Meanwhile, the train lines between Shrewsbury and Machynlleth, Llanwrytd, Chester/Birmingham and Pwllheli are closed, and there is disruption to services from the county town to Cardiff, Crewe and Manchester Piccadilly.

The only route which has a limited number of replacement buses confirmed is Shrewsbury to Llanwrtyd.

Referring to the issues between Shrewsbury and Chester/Birmingham, a National Rail spokesman said: “Services operating between Cardiff Central and Shrewsbury will be severely disrupted all day

“We strongly advise you avoid travelling if you can. Trains are running, but there is major disruption, and you may be heavily delayed or experience severe overcrowding.

“To assist you with your journeys, your ticket can be used on the following services to help you complete your journey, at no extra cost (please note these services may also be disrupted): Northern services between Chester/Crewe and Manchester Piccadilly in both directions until the end of the day; Avanti West Coast services between Crewe and Manchester Piccadilly in both directions until the end of the day.”

On the roads, a tree is down on the M54 between junctions 3 and 4 between Shifnal and Tong. A lane has been closed.

The A5 has been closed since 4.30am between the B5070 (Gledrid) and A483 (Halton) due to high winds, particularly around the exposed Ceiriog viaduct.

Road users can find the latest updates and diversion routes by visiting National Highways Travel alerts.

Motorists have been advised – particularly those driving high-sided HGVs, motor homes and motorcycles, and those towing caravans and trailers – to check the weather and driving conditions before setting out on journeys. 

Luke Hindle, National Highways’ Duty Manager, said: “The conditions we are seeing across certain parts of the country remain very challenging, but we are doing everything we can to keep the country moving where it is safe to do so.

“Any closure is only put in place to protect the safety of the travelling public.

“While we continue to see the effects of Storm Darragh, we would encourage drivers to check the latest weather and travel conditions before setting off on journeys and consider if their journey is necessary and if it could be delayed until conditions improve.

“If you do intend to travel, then plan your journey, take extra care and allow yourself additional time.”

Trees have fallen and blocked the road in the Oswestry area as well as Ironbridge.

The B4579 between Glyn Ceiriog and Selattyn was blocked by a tree this morning, and an electric cable has come down on the A5 at Froncysyllte.

Traffic Wales and North & Mid said: " Based on current forecasts the A5 Ceiriog & A483 Dee Viaducts will close between 07/12 06:00 and approximately 21:00 because of severe winds. 

“Road is currently closed. Please avoid the area.”

There has been flooding in several areas including the A483 Builth Wells where the road is closed in both directions.