Warning of heavy rain issued for West Midlands

Heavy rain could lead to disruption across the West Midlands, the Met Office has warned

The Met Office has issued a warning of heavy rain for the West Midlands.

It said that between one and two inches (30 to 50mm) could fall on Monday, much of it in a period of just six hours or fewer.

The region-wide yellow warning highlights a risk of flooding and travel disruption, with pockets of Worcestershire and Warwickshire subject to the more serious amber warning which points to even heavier rainfall.

Some communities in the region may face power outages and become cut off by flooded roads, according to the Met Office, which said public transport cancellations were possible.

Roads in Walsall have been flooded amid heavy rain

The advice follows weekend storms that battered the West Midlands and led to flooded streets, evacuations and power cuts.

• Live: Heavy rain brings floods to England

Formal flood warnings have been issued in parts of Warwickshire including Mancetter, Witherley and Atherstone, where nearby river levels remain high.

The Environment Agency (EA) said further rainfall was expected in the area in the next 24 hours.

More than eight flood alerts - a step down from formal warnings - are in place for the wider region, with the EA urging people to avoid low-lying footpaths, bridges and roads.

The National Grid on Monday reported power cuts in more than 25 post code areas including Birmingham, Coventry, Leamington Spa and a location near Market Drayton in Shropshire.

Buses have also been diverted due to flooding.

Services include the 27, operated by NX West Midlands, which will run in Birmingham to an amended route via Pershore Road, Watford Road and Linden Road.