Flood alerts in place along Staffordshire and Black Country rivers after heavy rainfall sees levels rise
A flood alert remains in place for parts of Staffordshire after heavy rainfall, while new alerts are in place in the Black Country.
The Government Flooding Service issued an alert for the River Sow and River Penk on Wednesday afternoon (September 3) after river levels were found to have risen at the Bushbury Wychall Drive water gauge as a result of heavy rainfall.
The alert was issued due to heavy rain and stormy conditions.
The flood alert covers is for low-lying land and roads between Great Bridgeford and Shugborough on the River Sow, between Coven and Stafford on the River Penk, on the Sandyford Brook, on the Rising Brook, on the Ridings Brook and on the Saredon Brook.
A spokesman for the Government Flooding Service said: "River levels have risen at the Bushbury Wychall Drive river gauge as a result of heavy rainfall.
"We expect flooding to affect low-lying land and roads adjacent to the River Sow between Great Bridgeford and Shugborough, the River Penk between Coven and Stafford, the Sandyford Brook, the Rising Brook, the Ridings Brook and the Saredon Brook.
"Further rainfall is forecast over the next 24 hours. We are closely monitoring the situation.
"Our incident response staff are actively checking river levels and the weather forecast.
"Please avoid using low-lying footpaths and bridges near local watercourses and plan driving routes to avoid low lying roads near rivers, which may be flooded.
"This message will be updated by 12pm on September 4, or as the situation changes."
Elsewhere in the Black Country, flood alerts were issued on Thursday morning for the River Stour and Smestow Brook, Upper Tame at Sandwell Valley and Upper Tame, with low-lying land and roads between Horseley Heath and Castle Vale on the River Tame and Bescot on the Ford Brook at risk.
A spokesman for the Government Flooding Service said: "These flood alerts have been issued as a precaution, as heavy rain and thunderstorms have been forecast for these areas this morning and into the afternoon.
"There is uncertainty however, over the amount of rainfall expected and the exact location of these thunderstorms.
"River and surface water flooding may affect these areas.
"We urge you to remain vigilant and avoid walking and driving through flood water.
"We are continuing to actively monitor the situation closely and will issue updates, and further flood alerts and warnings if necessary.
"You can monitor your local weather conditions and river levels on the GOV.UK website."
