Midlands flood warning as storms are set to return

The Environment Agency has flood warnings in place across the whole of the country, with gusts of up to 60mph expected in some areas.

A band of heavy rain was moving across the country today before the arrival of brighter skies in the West Midlands tomorrow.

Flood barriers have already been put in place on the River Severn following a rise in water levels there and temporary flood defences are in place in Bewdley.

The latest bad weather warning comes after one of the wettest Januarys on record for some parts of the country.

Areas around Somerset have been put on high alert, while the Army is on standby to help villages cut off by the floods.

A spokesman for the Met Office said: "For the UK as a whole, 6.5 inches of rain has fallen so far this month, 35 per cent above the long term average, with all nations having above average rainfall."

Torrential rain has sent river levels soaring as storms have swept across the West Midlands.

Strong winds and gusts battered the Midlands as heavy rain caused disruption.

Officials worked round-the-clock to protect homes and are monitoring conditions.

Flood barriers were holding firm in Bewdley today as water rising 17ft high flowed down the River Severn from the Welsh valleys.

Environment Agency officials grew increasingly concerned with water levels expected to rise rapidly having only measured 11ft on Thursday.

Engineers worked overnight to ensure all the barriers on Severnside North and South and Beales Corner were in place by yesterday morning.

Protective sheets were attached to the barriers to ensure they were watertight to protect many of town's historic riverside buildings and homes.

But residents were still being warned to watch forecasts and monitor any flood warnings announced by the Environment Agency this weekend.

An amber floor alert was in place at the River Severn in Worcestershire telling residents that flooding is possible and urging them to be prepared for inclement weather.

Environment Agency manager Dave Throup said the River Severn was continuing to rise – with a peak expected late on Saturday after downpours yesterday afternoon and evening. But he said Bewdley was open for business as usual.

"With high tides, combined with a coastal surge and further heavy rain over the weekend, we expect river levels to rise significantly, especially along the River Severn, increasing the risk of flooding," he said.

"The Environment Agency is reminding home owners at risk of flooding to be prepared to take action if they receive a warning message.

"Our teams are out in force checking that flood defences are in good working order, clearing blockages and monitoring river levels."

Wyre Forest District Council warned of some disruption on roads near the river and Severn Trent Water has installed water pumps to reduce the amount of water in nearby drains.

There are currently 21 flood warnings and 19 flood alerts in the Midlands with the River Severn one of those affected.

• Follow @EnvAgencyMids and #floodaware on Twitter for the latest flood outlook, and to sign up to receive free flood warnings