Flood alert raised and winds expected to pick up again after Storm Eunice havoc

The alert is in place for both the River Sow and River Penk in Staffordshire, with water levels expected to remain high and heavy rainfall forecast into Monday.

Three train routes were also disrupted by the storm, with the Walsall to Rugeley line still blocked on Saturday morning and West Midlands Railway emphasising that disruption is still possible on all routes.

Lines from Wolverhampton to Shrewsbury and from Worcester to Hereford were shut after but reopened around 11am on Saturday.

Disruption is likely to continue, with a yellow weather warning for wind issued by the Met Office for Sunday and Monday.

The agency said: "Some delays to road, rail, and ferry transport are likely.

"Delays or restrictions for high-sided vehicles on exposed routes and bridges likely.

"It’s likely that some coastal routes, sea fronts and coastal communities will be affected by spray and/or large waves.

"Some damage to infrastructure and trees/branches is possible, especially where made more vulnerable by Storm Eunice.

"Power outages are possible, and efforts to restore power to areas which have had interrupted supply in the wake of Storm Eunice are likely to be hampered."

Meanwhile Highways crews in Staffordshire worked around the clock to help clear the aftermath of Storm Eunice.

In total there were 58 emergency calls received, 53 of which were reports of fallen trees and other debris, with a further five for flooding incidents.

Crews are remaining on high alert, as further wind, heavy rain and snow are forecast over the weekend.

David Williams, Staffordshire County Council’s cabinet member for highways said: "Yesterday saw some really difficult conditions across the county, with winds of up to 70mph, rain and even snow appearing on higher ground.

"We had 53 reports of fallen trees and other debris, plus a further five for flooding incidents.

"Our highways crews have been working flat out in extreme conditions to clear roads and keep them open.

"The storm looks to have calmed down, but our crews will still be out and about today attending to continue the clear-up.

"I would advise anyone who is out and about today to still take extra care, and bear with us while we work to clear any remaining debris."

Across region schools were closed, theatre performances were cancelled and people were urged not to travel in the harsh conditions on Friday.

West Midlands Railway cancelled a number of services, including all trains between Wolverhampton and Shrewsbury, as it operated a reduced service.

Both Transport for Wales and Avanti West Coast services were suspended as the storm took hold, as train operators urged passengers not to travel.

The storm even caused a wall at Shell Corner Trading Estate, Halesowen, to fall onto units.

Nobody was hurt after the wall collapsed onto the units on Friday morning, causing "significant damage" to five of them.

Overhead electric wire damage between Wolverhampton and Stafford caused the lines to be blocked and lines at Birmingham Snow Hill were also impacted by the weather.