Watch: Wolverhampton road blocked and buses diverted due to fallen tree as Storm Gerrit sweeps in

Finchfield Road West, Wolverhampton, was closed after high winds destroyed a tree, leading to it falling on the road, and partially blocking the route on Wednesday afternoon.

Bus services have been forced to divert from the area due to the fallen tree, with the number 3 service taking a different route than normal.

On X, National Express West Midlands announced: "Finchfield Road West is currently closed due to a fallen tree.

"3 towards Castlecroft. Bradmore Road, Trysull Road, Coalway Road, Finchfield Lane, Oak Hill, Finchfield Hill, normal line of route.

"3 towards Wolverhampton and Fordhouses. Reverse of above."

Motorists have been warned to look out for "hidden dangers" as Storm Gerrit continues to batter the West Midlands. Flood barriers have been put in place in Bewdley and Bridgnorth due to rising river levels with more rain and heavy wind expected with weather warnings and flood alerts in place across the region.

The Environment Agency expects the River Severn to peak at 4-4.5m in Bewdley on Saturday.

The warning comes as Britain and the parts of the West Midlands are expected to be battered with hours of heavy rain that is expected to stretch into tomorrow.

On X, Herefordshire and Worcester Fire and Rescue Services said: "With heavy rain expected, please don't drive or walk into flood water.

"Flood water has hidden dangers - maybe lifted manholes which could expose you to the risk of falling into drains from which you can't escape. You are at risk and those who might be called upon to rescue you."

The MetOffice also warned of severe weather throughout the rest of today and tomorrow, warning that the high winds and rain may cause disruption.

The MetOffice wrote: "A brief spell of very windy conditions is likely through Wednesday evening or night, bringing the chance of some disruption.

"The warning area has been expanded further inland across Wales and northwest England, as well into the northwest Midlands and southern Pennines.

"The impact level has also been increased."

The forecast for tonight includes some clear spells followed by blustery heavy showers, merging to give longer spells of rain and carrying a high risk of hail.

A warning of strong winds has been issued for parts of the UK, including nearby Shropshire.

Gusts of 50 to 60 mph are forecast, with the warning in place from 6pm tonight until 3am on Thursday.

Maximum temperatures are expected to stay at six degrees.

On Thursday, the weather is expected to stay unsettled, with frequent heavy showers, merging to give longer spells of rain and a risk of hail. Maximum temperatures are expected to stay at 10 degrees.

Flood barriers have also been set up along the River Severn in Ironbridge, where the water level continues to rise.

Chris Bainger from the Environment Agency said that high winds were making the deployment in Ironbridge "particularly challenging".

Describing the River Severn as "very swollen", the agency's fisheries technical specialist said: "We are expecting the River Severn to peak at a height of 4.8m to 5.3m in the coming days.

"There are a number of events that are colliding into each other, bringing further peaks as we go past today."

Staffordshire Police issued advice to drivers taking to the roads on Wednesday, urging them to take care.

A spokesperson said: "We are receiving lots of reports of fallen trees and flooded roads, as Storm Gerrit continues to cause disruptions for motorists across the country.

"Drivers are being urged to take extra time for their journeys and plan for diversions. If you do not think that it is safe to travel, consider delaying your journey and staying where you are until the weather conditions improve.

"If it is safe, make sure that your windscreen wipers, headlights and taillights are all working properly before setting off, as this will help you and other road users to see each other in poor visibility."

They also urged drivers to keep greater distances between each other, drive at slower speeds and avoid puddles, adding: "Do not attempt to drive through a flooded road."