Flooded Heartlands Hospital declares 'major incident'
- Published
Torrential rain in Birmingham causes flash flooding
A hospital has declared a "major incident" after more than 5,000 litres of rainwater flooded its accident and emergency department.
Heartlands Hospital in the Bordesley Green area of Birmingham said affected patients have been transferred to other areas of the hospital.
People needing emergency care should go to their nearest alternative A&E service, said the hospital.
Heavy downpours caused disruption in the city from 13:30 BST on Tuesday.
West Midlands Fire Service said it took 120 "weather-related calls" in two hours in addition to other calls, including dealing "with over 5,000 litres of water" at Heartlands Hospital.
Streets across the city were flooded
Parts of the Bullring shopping centre were sealed off after rainwater leaked through to the ground floor.
The connecting passage to Grand Central was also affected, with shoppers tweeting videos of people dodging drips from the ceiling.
Meanwhile, the Library of Birmingham is considering whether to reopen tomorrow after a flooded stairwell forced a temporary closure.
The fire service said it attended an emergency callout in Upper Gornal where a lightning strike to a TV aerial caused a fire affecting three properties. Nobody was injured.
Waterlogged streets across Birmingham and the Black Country caused travel disruption.
Birmingham New Street Station warned commuters should "expect delays and alterations" to their services.
Trams were stopped between West Bromwich Central and Handsworth Booth Street due to weather conditions.
The Environment Agency has warned more heavy showers, external are expected over the next few days.