Flash flooding hits Walsall

Drivers were left stranded, homes were without power and main roads were blocked as part of Walsall felt the full force of flash flooding following torrential rain.

Neighbourhoods and roads in Streetly and Aldridge were among the worst hit areas.

In Chester Road, opposite the Wheat & Son Garden Centre outside Streetly, five people had to be be pulled from their cars by firefighters after becoming stranded in around 4ft deep water.

The water levels, which were raised by a stream under the road and the nearby Bourne Pool, also left much of the garden centre's large car park under water.

Police closed the road both ways at 3.30pm yesterday, only fully opening it again just before 7pm. While many of the cars had been recovered, a lorry remained sunk in a ditch at the side of the road, while another was still waiting to be towed away yesterday evening.

Heightened water levels also caused the closure of Little Hardwick Road due to an overspilling sewer. Residents living off the road saw water rising high in their gardens, but escaped any damage to their homes.

However, in Mill Lane, homeowners were not so lucky. Alan Cowan came home to find the road 'turned into a river' and water in his outbuildings, conservatory and kitchen.

About a dozen motorists who tried to make it through the water by his house were forced to abandon their cars in a nearby field. Police were also forced to close Little Aston Lane.

Western Power said it received four calls from residents in Little Hardwick Road and Vale Avenue who reported having a power cut.

Speaking from the road closure in Chester Road outside the Wheat & Son Garden Centre, Pc Brett Reavley, said: "We arrived to find a flood in the road caused by the heavy downpour – there was literally a river crossing the road.

"Fire crews came and pulled five people from their cars. Thankfully everyone was safe."

St John's Primary School in Wednesbury was closed today due to flooding. Sandwell Council said it was expected to be shut tomorrow as well.

Below are some of the best pictures of the flooding you shared on Twitter.