Weather warning as gales hit region
Gale-force winds of up to 70mph were sweeping across the West Midlands today, with more torrential rain bringing the risk of localised flooding.
Gale-force winds of up to 70mph were sweeping across the West Midlands today, with more torrential rain bringing the risk of localised flooding.
Around half an inch of rain fell overnight in the region and winds were today expected to strengthen as the first autumn storms of the year brought havoc to some areas of the country.
- Weather - click here
The coasts of Wales and southern and eastern England bore the brunt of the blasts last night, but weather experts warned winds could reach 70mph in the West Midlands later today.
In the West Midlands, firefighters were called to deal with flooding in West Bromwich when rain water went through the roof of a maisonette. Crews had to secure an area of the ceiling at the property in Princess Grove.
Motorists travelling along the M6 motorway through the Black Country were warned via overhead signs around Junction 9 in Wednesbury to take care due to the strong winds.
Firefighters in mid and west Wales said they had attended 141 calls. Pembrokeshire was hardest hit by widespread flooding of its road network.
One woman was rescued after being stranded by floodwater and 12 people were rescued from a coach in Haverfordwest.