Express & Star

River Severn flooding warnings with worst yet to come

Flooding fears grew in towns along the River Severn after heavy rain brought fresh warnings.

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The river in Bewdley yesterday. Photo: Dave Throup

The River Severn in Bewdley is expected to peak on Wednesday afternoon sparking a danger to life warning from the Environment Agency.

Homes and roads are still flooded as the water levels creep up to 18.3ft (5.6m) which would peak higher than last week.

It came as train services were cancelled between Wolverhampton and Shrewsbury this afternoon due to flooding problems.

Replacement buses will be running between the stations.

The Severn is expected to peak in Shrewsbury and Ironbridge on this evening, and Bridgnorth and Bewdley on Wednesday.

The highest ever recorded level in Bewdley was 5.56m in November 2000, and the typical range for the River Severn in Bewdley is between 0.21m to 3.30m.

Flooding may be affecting Riverside North including the road to Lickhill Manor and Acacia Avenue, Bewdley, the access road to Lickhill Caravan Park and the Walkway, property and gardens at Severnside, Stourport, according to the Environment Agency.

Bewdley Bridge is also closed to both cars and pedestrians.

And the forecast remains unsettled for the next few days, which may cause river levels to remain high.

Workers being offered treats and hot drinks

Officials said: "Flooding that is dangerous to life could happen in Bewdley during Wednesday afternoon.

"More properties could also flood and there could be more disruption to travel and essential services.

"Flooding from rivers also continuing through this week, particularly along other parts of the River Severn and other slower responding rivers such as the Rivers Ouse, Trent and Wye.

"Groundwater flooding is expected to be ongoing over parts of the south of England for at least the next five days. Land, roads and some properties may flood and there may be travel disruption."

Over in Upton upon Severn there are a number of flood warnings as the river rises.

A peak is expected at Saxons Lode of between 5.5 and 5.8m on Thursday, which is slightly higher than levels seen last week.

Cakes being handed out

Meanwhile hot drinks, homemade cakes and biscuits were handed out to Environment Agency workers by staff at a Kidderminster care home.

Staff at Hollyfields & Ivy House Care Homes in Kidderminster took to the roads in their mini bus to say thank you to those providing support.

Michael Butler, activities co-ordinator and the team at wanted to do something to thank members of the Environmental Agency and their support teams for their hard work and dedication shown throughout these past weeks to help keep residents of Bewdley as safe and dry as they could.

Fiona Brewin, general manager of Hollyfields & Ivy House said: “These men and women are working hard to help keep our local community safe during these times of flooding, high winds and heavy showers, so much that we visited them during this time with delicious homemade cakes, biscuits and hot drinks just to say thank you for all they do."