Matches are scrapped over rain

Sports matches across the Black Country were cancelled today because of water-logged pitches - and more gales and rain are on the way, forecasters said.

Football and rugby games in Wolverhampton and Sandwell were all cancelled due to the weather.

Wolverhampton’s parks and leisure centres include 40 football pitches but storms meant none was suitable to host fixtures.

A spokesman from the ranger service said amateur fixtures at Wednesfield, Bantock, Claregate, East, West, Northwood and Fowlers Park would all have to be rearranged.

Sandwell parks bosses also announced all rugby and football matches on council parks and playing fields were cancelled for the whole weekend.

Meanwhile there were several road closures across the West Midlands caused by flooding, particularly in the Upton-upon-Severn and Bewdley areas. People living near rivers were warned to beware of surface water.

Flood defence barriers at Bewdley were proving successful in holding back the rising River Severn today. But levels are still rising.

Express & Star weatherman John Warner said wind speeds were expected to pick up to 25 or 30mph and gusts up to 45mph.

“There will also be heavy rain forecast for this evening. But it does look much better tomorrow with the possibility of sunshine and lighter winds and temperatures above average of about 10C,” he said.