Flood warnings in place across Midlands as heavy rain batters region

It comes after days of disruption from heavy snow, followed by a rapid thaw that led to widespread flooding.

A total of 29 warnings are in place throughout the Midlands, the Environment Agency has said.

Torrential rain yesterday caused chaos on roads in Staffordshire, with a woman being rescued from her car when it became stranded in water. Firefighters worked through the night to pump water away from the busy A34 in Meaford, which was heavily flooded.

The woman managed to scramble to safety after her vehicle got stuck. Firefighters had to pump water from the road into a nearby culvert yesterday and were still at the scene early today. The road, which runs between Stafford and Stoke-on-Trent, was closed.

Bob Dagless, group manager at Staffordshire Fire Service, said two high-volume pumping units were used to help tackle the water, which was up to 4ft deep in some places. "We are pumping water on the advice of the Environment Agency into a culvert adjacent to the River Trent next to the Darlaston Inn on the A34," he said.

It was one of seven flooding-related calls made across the county yesterday morning.

Meanwhile, water covered flood plains around the River Penk in Penkridge. Drivers were also warned to try and avoid the A519 in Slindon, near Eccleshall, where part of the road had flooded.

Flood barriers were being erected today along the River Severn in Bewdley.

A canoeist died in North Yorkshire yesterday after he was pulled from the swollen Arkle Beck, near Reeth. And a baby boy was rescued in Somerset after his pushchair was blown into the water by a gust of wind.

The Met Office said rain and blustery showers were likely for the West Midlands today. Downpours are forecast to begin mid afternoon and last until tomorrow lunchtime.