Huge cost of freak storm

A tornado and torrential rains left the Midlands counting the cost of a battering today after families were forced to flee their homes, shops were closed by floods and trains brought to a standstill.

The high winds and rain caused chaos as tiles were flung from roofs, trees were uprooted, roads flooded and buildings struck by lightning.

Travellers faced continued chaos on the region's rail network today as services on one crucial line remained cancelled because of flooding caused by the torrential rain.

The Chase Line, which links Rugeley and Birmingham via Bloxwich, Walsall and Perry Barr was still not operating after trains were suspended because of flooding yesterday.

It comes as forecasters predict more rain is on the way until Tuesday at the earliest.Parts of Netherton, around Cradley Park Road, were hit by what eyewitnesses described as a tornado at about 3.30pm.

A special late edition of the Express & Star last night told how the five-minute whirlwind wrecked gardens, felled trees, damaged cars and pulled tiles from the roof of more than a dozen homes. Elsewhere several shops at the Merry Hill Centre were forced to close as heavy rain caused flooding. The Disney Shop, Top Shop, New Look and Hotel Chocolat were among the stores which shut yesterday afternoon as water seeped through the roof.

Firefighters from Kidderminster and Staffordshire were drafted into the Black Country area to help deal with flash floods which forced 20 homes in Kingswinford to be evacuated last night.

A special fire engine was sent to Fellows Road in Kingswinford at 9.30pm after water from nearby Dawley Brook surged into the street. Businesses along Dawley Brook Road were flooded including ARKS Tool Hire. Boss Simon Millichip said water gushed through the back of the unit sweeping away anything in its way. This morning Mr Millichip and helpers pulled on wellies and gloves to start clearing away the debris.

Kidderminster crew commander Tony Wilkes said: "The water was several inches high in parts and the A449 had to be closed off. I have never seen so much water fall in one day."

Fresh downpours saw homes in Sandwell flooded last night.

Fire crews worked throughout the night to pump water out from houses in Sandwell, Birmingham and Dudley.

By Wayne Beese