The Environment Agency has issued a severe flood warning for the River Severn at Shrewsbury, with a number of roads in and around the town closed.
The severe warning was issued because flood water is expected to be deep and fast flowing and cause significant disruption to the community and a danger to life.
A peak at Welshbridge of 5.2m to 5.5m is predicted on Tuesday.
Multi-agency flood response
Statement from Deputy Chief Constable of West Mercia Police Julian Moss, on behalf of the multi-agency flood response.
Rain that fell across Wales at the weekend has topped up already swollen rivers and that is now making its way through Shropshire before reaching Worcestershire later in the week.
Shrewsbury is expected to see another peak tomorrow with levels potentially higher than last week following storm Denis. Levels could overtop the barriers at Coleham Head. A rest centre has been set up for residents in Shirehall.
Similarly, Ironbridge is expecting to see a peak tomorrow afternoon with levels potentially higher than last week, and they could also overtop the flood barriers.
Approximately 40 residents in Ironbridge have been advised to evacuate their homes tonight due to rising river levels, with the warning indicating a significant threat to life. Due to the current river levels and ground conditions there is potential for levels to flow over the Ironbridge barrier causing flooding of properties and roads in and around Wharfage.
Flood warnings are also in place in Bridgnorth with levels of the River Severn anticipated to peak tomorrow. Properties on Severn Terrace, Riverside and local caravan parks are likely to be affected. Roads in Shrewsbury town centre also continue to be affected by flood water and remain closed.
We are asking people in those areas to prepare and take appropriate action in relation to flooding precautions, and any travel arrangements for the morning. Teams on the ground are trying to speak to all the properties at risk in the area. Multi-agency teams are on the ground to provide help and advice.
Shopping Centres Closed
Shrewsbury’s Darwin, Pride Hill and Riverside Shopping centres will be closed on Tuesday.
Road Closures
Updated 24/02/2020 at 7pm:
Smithfield Road – both directions
Coton Hill
Frankwell
Chester Street and Cross Street
Raven Meadows
Roushill
Longden Coleham
Junction of Wyle Cop and St Julian’s Crescent
Atcham to Berwick Wharf
B4380 Shrewsbury to Atcham
Berwick Road
Cressage to Eaton Constantine
Victoria Avenue
Old Coleham
Gravel Hill Lane
Sydney Avenue
Atcham to Cross Houses
Children Farm Lane
Frankwell in Shrewsbury – including Welsh Bridge – is closed to all traffic at Frankwell Island. Access is only permitted for buses terminating at Theatre Severn, for University Centre Shrewsbury, and for residents/businesses on the Frankwell side of Welsh Bridge.
Due to the number of weather-related road closures in Shrewsbury, London Road will remain OPEN as normal until further notice. The temporary closure, for BT cable work, was due to be put back in place today having been lifted last week.
Buses
Following road closures in Shrewsbury town centre here are locations of the drop off/collection points for bus services.
Theatre Severn – Services 11, 20. 70, 70A, 552/553, 558
Abbey Foregate HGV/Coach Park – Services 1, 8, 19, 21 23, 26, 27, 435, 436, 544, 546, X4, X5
Castlefields (New Park Road Castle Foregate End) – Services 2, 24, 25, 64, 511, 519
Service 576 will terminate at Harlescott Park & Ride – passengers wishing to use this service can transfer at Harlescott for onward travel.
Shrewsbury/Telford Service Update: 19/19A will serve Lightmoor and then miss Ironbridge, Buildwas and Atcham, diverting via M54/A5 then on to Abbey Foregate.
Park & Ride
Oxon – Theatre Severn
Meole Brace – Abbey Foregate HGV/Coach Park
Harlescott – New Park Road, Castlefields
Car Parks
Shropshire Council car parks including Raven Meadows MSCP, Frankwell and St Julians are closed today.
In addition, closed due to lack of access and/or flooding; The Gap off Raven Meadows, NCP at Wyle Cop and Premier Inn Car Park.
Education
Due to severe flood warnings for Shrewsbury and road closures in the town centre, Shrewsbury Colleges Group English Bridge and Welsh Bridge campuses are closed today. London Road campus will be open as usual.
Shrewsbury High School’s senior site is closed today. The Prep School will be open; however, for safety reasons, there will be no school minibus service.
Coleham Primary School is open as normal with an email sent to parents on Sunday evening. The school will be closed on Tuesday.
University Centre Shrewsbury (UCS) is not holding classes today, but the building, Guildhall, will remain open and accessible by foot until 4pm. Guildhall will then remain closed to all students, staff and guests until Thursday morning due to the rising flood waters.
The Gateway on Chester Street, Shrewsbury will be closed today and tomorrow due to the floods.
Health
Bowdlers House Dental Practice is closed today due to staffing issues because of the floods.
Riverside Medical Practice site at Roushill remains closed. If you need medical advice or treatment, please contact 01743 36789 and listen to further information. If you have a routine appointment for week commencing 24th February please attend Severnfields Medical Practice where you will be assisted by a member of the Riverside team. You may also attend this location to collect prescriptions.
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