As we reported earlier, there are flood warnings in place, external for nearly 40 areas of the West Midlands.

Those spots are in Staffordshire, Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Shropshire.

So far, disruption has not been as severe as that experienced elsewhere in England and Wales. But for those wondering how the situation - including evacuations - is being managed amid a pandemic, here's a brief explanation:

People have been told Covid rules let them leave their homes in an emergency.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the government was "totally prepared" for the dual crises of flooding and the pandemic and that Covid-secure facilities would be available for any people forced to evacuate as a result of the weather.

The financial firm says it believes its staff will welcome the more flexible working arrangement.

Preparations for potential flooding have been scaled up in Ironbridge, Shropshire, with temporary barriers installed along the river., external

Image source, Telford and Wrekin Council

A flood alert has been issued for the area,, external the lowest of the three levels the Environment Agency uses.

But further upstream on the River Severn, a number of higher warnings have been issued and residents will have fresh memories of last year's widespread floods.

Defences have also been installed at the Dale End Cafe in Coalbrookdale which suffered floods four times in 2020:

Image source, Telford and Wrekin Council

More flood barriers are being installed in Bewdley, Worcestershire, today.

Bewdley suffered widespread flooding last year when river levels rose and poured over the top of barriers in Beales Corner.

Image source, Environment Agency

The Environment Agency had already put up temporary barriers in the town earlier this week, with Beales Corner among the sites.

The latest are being placed along the south side of the River Severn., external

BBC Breakfast

The Environment Agency says people should sign up for flood updates or use its website to make sure they can keep safe.

Firefighters in Cheshire have responded to 134 flood-related incidents in the past 24 hours.

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Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service is warning drivers to avoid driving through flood water.

Two adults and their dog have been rescued from a flooded Shropshire farmhouse.

Image source, Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service

Fire crews were called to the site in Woore on Wednesday evening and said it was surrounded by flood water which was 3ft (0.91m) deep in places. , external

They said the people and the dog were safe.

Image source, Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service

BBC Weather

There may be better weather news ahead, as the forecast this morning is for it to be cloudy with scattered wintry showers, falling as snow over the hills, while this afternoon, there will be further showers, but it will turn drier and clearer for many by the evening.

Several drivers have been rescued from their cars after getting stuck in flood water in Staffordshire., external

The A522 at Beamhurst, near Uttoxeter, was impassable overnight, police said., external

Image source, Staffordshire Police

Counties brace as warnings are issued across the region amid road closures and rescues from cars.

Dozens of flood warnings are in place in the West Midlands today, external with river levels still rising after this week's heavy rain.

Image source, Environment Agency

Fifteen are in Staffordshire, 10 in Herefordshire, eight in Shropshire and six in Worcestershire.

The Environment Agency says it expects river levels in most cases to peak later on Thursday.

BBC Weather

The effects of Storm Christoph are being felt in the West Midlands this morning, with flooding - and rescues - emerging overnight.

Staffordshire, Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Shropshire are the affected counties.

We'll be bringing you the latest.

For now, here's today's forecast:

People in parts of Shropshire are being warned of icy conditions until at least 10:00. The Met Office has a yellow weather warning in place, external.

There are also flood warnings. We'll bring you news of those shortly.

Image source, Met Office

Overall, this morning should be mainly dry and cloudy before turning more cloudy this afternoon. Relatively mild with a high of 7C/45F.

Dry with clear skies tonight and it will be cold with a widespread frost. Low: 0C/32F.

You can stay up-to-date with the latest weather forecast for your area by going to the BBC Weather website.

Latest updates from North West England at Storm Christoph brings snow, rain, evacuations and disruption.

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