Flood barriers deployed amid rising Severn levels

Shrewsbury's defences were in action during the 2020 floods

Flood defences are being put up in some towns along the River Severn amid rising water levels.

The Environment Agency (EA) said "low level" barriers were being deployed at Shrewsbury in Shropshire, and Bewdley, Worcestershire.

It added flooding from the Severn was possible on both Friday and Saturday.

A formal flood warning, which means flooding is expected, is in place for the river at the Showground and the Quarry, Shrewsbury.

In addition to the flood warning, eight, lower-level flood alerts have been put in place across the West Midlands.

Shropshire Council said river levels had risen as a result of Storm Barra, with Frankwell Car Park in Shrewsbury closed for the deployment of the defences.

Once levels have peaked at Montford Bridge, the authority said, and depending on updates from the Met Office and EA, it mights look to open some spaces to support visitors to Theatre Severn.

Meanwhile, with water rising on to the car park itself, the council has issued a warning to motorists to remove vehicles there as a matter of urgency, stating "we don't want your car to get flooded".

It also advised drivers to plan routes to avoid low-lying roads near rivers.

Flood barriers, seen during the 2020 floods, are being deployed in Ironbridge

Telford & Wrekin Council has confirmed flood barriers are being deployed in Ironbridge. The move means The Wharfage will be closed to all traffic.

EA area manager Dave Throup tweeted he was "really surprised how much main rivers are responding to relatively modest rainfall in Wales after a dry November".

Adam Lines, from the Environment Agency, said: "Heavy rain at the weekend with Storm Barra and unsettled conditions since have seen rivers across Shropshire, Worcestershire and Herefordshire rise.

"While this is normal for the time of year, we're putting up the demountable and temporary barriers at several locations, to protect hundreds of homes and businesses from the devastating impact of flooding."

The agency called on people to check their flood risk online, as well as advising those whose homes are at risk of flooding to prepare by packing a bag which includes medical and insurance documents, know how to turn off gas, electricity and water, and ensure insurance is up to date.