Storm Claudia: Watch as Bewdley flood defences are deployed as Met Office warns of 'deep floodwater' and 'danger to life'
Work has started to deploy the flood defences around the River Severn in Bewdley in preparation for possible flooding.
Workers in Bewdley have been spotted erecting the town's flood defences around the River Severn in preparation for possible flooding due to Storm Claudia.
It comes as a yellow and amber weather warning was put into place by the Met Office, with heavy rainfall expected for much of the West Midlands and Shropshire regions.
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A yellow warning for rain is already in place for the West Midlands and Shropshire, with the Met Office warning of increased chances of flooding for low-lying areas and disruption for travel.
The amber warning has been issued for 12pm on Friday, with the weather forecasters warning to expect 'fast flowing or deep floodwater', also warning of a possible 'danger to life'.
The River Severn, which flows through the town of Bewdley, is commonly prone to flooding, with similar incidents submerging the nearby Beales Corner over the last few years, flooding a number of houses and shops near the river line.
Now, work has already started on establishing the Severnside North flood barriers, with the Environment Agency saying that the town's new Beales Corner Flood Scheme defences will be erected at around 7pm this evening.
An Environment Agency spokesperson said: "Our priority is to reduce the risks to people and property from flooding.
"Due to the forecast of heavy rainfall, the Severnside North flood barriers are being erected this morning. We will also be deploying the new Beales Corner flood scheme after 7pm this evening.
"People should search ‘check my flood risk’, get free flood warnings, and keep up to date with the latest situation at @EnvAgencyMids on X."
The works have meant the closure of three roads around the River Severn, with Severn Side North closing from 7.30am and remaining closed until the flood defences are removed.
The B4195 Stourport Road and B4190 Bewdley Bridge/Beales Corner will be closed from 7pm for around four hours.
Worcestershire County Council said that both the B4190 Bewdley Bridge and Beales Corner will reopen to two-way traffic; however, Stourport Road will remain closed until the defences are removed.
For more information on what to do in the case of a flood and stay up to date with the amber weather warning, visit the Met Office website.
