Danger for motorists in flood chaos

Heavy rainfall brought dangers and chaos for commuters as surface water and floods affected roads across the Midlands today. Cars and vans were struggling through floodwater in Forge Lane, off Newton Road, West Bromwich, today. nextpage

Communities hit by last summer's flooding were facing the prospect of more chaos after forecasters predicted between 15 and 25 millimetres of rain would fall today. This was Victoria Park, in Stafford.nextpage

By rush hour much of England was hit by heavy rain and gusts of up to 70mph winds. River levels remained high across Worcestershire and Staffordshire. nextpage

Flood barriers were still in place at both Worcester and Upton-upon-Severn and Environment Agency officials issued flood warnings between Worcester and Tewkesbury and from Tewkesbury to upstream of Gloucester.

Sergeant John Roberts, of West Mercia Police, warned drivers not to cross flooded roads. He warned: "It may be impossible for drivers to judge how deep the water is." See also: From saddles to paddles at racecourse