Midlands flood warnings as storms are forecast

Flooding warnings have been issued and temperatures are set to plummet as autumnal conditions.

In Willenhall, a bandstand concert that was due to take place tomorrow has already been called off, with bosses fearing a washout.

Other events remain on for the time being, with Walsall Town Show going ahead as planned today and tomorrow.

The heavy rain is due to start this evening and will last throughout Sunday, with temperatures dropping to 14C (57F).

Waste water manager for Severn Trent James Jesic said there was a strong possibility of flash flooding tomorrow evening, but the company was ready and prepared to work around the clock dealing with any problems.

Mr Jesic said: "We're aware the bad weather was coming and we're working hard to get ready for it."

He said provision had already been made to ensure there would be sufficient staff in the company's call centre, and there would be teams out and about across the area to deal with flooding or any other problems the weather might bring.

"We're also out and about keeping an eye on those areas with a high risk of flooding," he added.

"Unfortunately, in stormy weather, the drains and sewers often have significantly more water flowing through them.

"When we get a lot of rain in one go, it has a hard time sinking into the ground; so it just runs off the surface and goes directly into drains and sewers."

Mr Jesic said anyone experiencing flooding should first check to see if it was just rainwater, or whether it was sewage coming from an overflowing sewer.

"If it's just rainwater, the flooding should subside when it stops raining," he said. "It can take up to four hours for water to drain away, so be patient."

He said incidences of sewage escaping, such as through a nearby manhole cover, would be treated as a priority.

Mr Jesic said the number of phone calls into Severn Trent could get extremely high at times of heavy rain, and callers might have to wait longer than usual for a response.

"If the flooding is due to rainwater, there is no need to call unless it is still there some time after the rain has stopped," he said.

He added that people should call their local council if they were concerned about flooding in drains and gullies in the road, as they were responsible for road drainage.

The Met Office has issued a 'yellow' severe weather warning that their will be a risk of heavy rain in the West Midlands on Sunday.

Mr Jesic added: "We'd like to reassure our customers that we are working hard to prepare for and deal with the bad weather and we'll do everything that we can do to deal with flooding issues as quickly as possible."

Rain will continue on Monday and Tuesday.