Fears of flooding on rise

Torrential rain was forecast for the West Midlands today, bringing more fears of flooding.

More than an inch will fall in the next 48 hours, accompanied by strong winds.

Today around 50 flood alerts were in place for the wider Midlands area, including the rivers Stour, Penk, Severn and Sow.

Met office spokesman Barry Gromett said: "The worst of the rain will hit the upland areas.

"However, we should not discount the possibility of it affecting the Midlands.

"The worst affected areas of the country could get six inches in the next two to three days, but the West Midlands is likely to get around an inch."

Flood barriers were today going up in Bewdley as river levels rose on the Severn. Farmers near the town have been warned to expect flooding from the Severn.

Areas of Worcester and Tewkesbury are already flooded and Sainsbury's shoppers were carried to their cars by firefighters in Stafford yesterday when the car park flooded.

A slow-moving rain belt due to spread across the country is expected to linger over the West Midlands for most of Saturday.

Rain tomorrow will be fragmented. Winds will reach speeds of 25mph.