Severn and Sow flooding continues to cause damage as rivers reach peak
Parts of Stafford and Bridgnorth were still under water today as flood warnings remained in place across the region.
Water levels along the River Severn peaked this morning, but flooding warnings are still in place throughout the entire English stretch of the river including at Bridgnorth, Ironbridge, Bewdley and Stourport.
Flood defences remain up in Bewdley and Ironbridge as the Severn continues to burst its banks, while Bridgnorth Rugby Clubs and some nearby homes and campsites are still completely flooded.
The river was expected to peak in Bewdley at around 15ft (4.6m) on Tuesday afternoon, having reached a maximum of 15ft 8ins (4.72m) in Bridgnorth earlier in the day.
Elsewhere, less serious flooding alerts are in place along the River Sow and River Penk at Stafford and at the Rugeley Trent, with the Environment Agency saying the risk of flooding remains along roads and low-lying land despite the fact river levels are "falling steadily".
In Stafford, the clean-up is continuing at the town's cricket and hockey club which has been flooded since the weekend.
The club announced earlier this week that it would have to cancel all its events through to the end of November due to the water damage.
Secretary Helen Paling said: "It was quite sad to walk in and see the club under water, but it's one of those things."
The River Sow runs directly through the town centre, where flooding has affected footpaths, car parks and Victoria Park, where the play area remained closed today.
The car park at Stafford Town FC, next door to the cricket and hockey club, was also still flooded today as was the front car park at the town leisure centre.
The Environment Agency said it is continuing to monitor the situation, although the weather is expected to be mostly dry for a few days ahead of some heavy showers towards the end of the week.
The West Midlands and Staffordshire have been some of the worst parts of the country hit by the downpours, with roads completely blocked off, fields flooded, and businesses and homes at risk of water damage.
Almost ten times the usual amount of water was flowing along the Severn yesterday afternoon, with 485 tons per second registered at the Buildwas gauge compared to the norm of 50 tons per second.
In Shropshire, flood barriers are still up in Ironbridge and Shrewsbury, where parts of the town centre Quarry Park and Frankwell car park are still under water, as Bridgnorth continues to deal with flooding in and around the town.
Nationally the Environment Agency had 54 flood warnings and 56 alerts in place this afternoon.
Motorists have been warned to be sensible when approaching flood water to avoid getting stuck. Those parking near the river were also warned to be aware of potential flooding.
Chris Bainger of the environment agency said: "Don't be a victim of floods unlike some motorists who left cars in the car park, please be flood aware.
He warned motorists not to attempt to drive through flood waters.
"You could put your lives and the lives of others at risk," he said.
The Met Office predicts increasing clouds through Wednesday with intermittent rain in the west, and much the same on Thursday.
Heavy rainfall is forecast for Friday, though the temperature will be milder.
