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Last Updated: Thursday, 19 July 2007, 18:38 GMT 19:38 UK
Flooding warnings ahead of rain
Tenbury floods in July
Tenbury Wells has flooded twice in a fortnight
Weather forecasters have warned people across the West Midlands they may face more flooding.

Predictions of very heavy rain have been forecast for 24 hours across Herefordshire, Worcestershire, the West Midlands, Shropshire and Staffordshire.

Forecasters said four inches (10cm) of rain may fall, which could cause problems in already saturated areas.

Earlier this week Tenbury Wells in Worcestershire flooded for the second time in a fortnight.

Local councils said they were preparing for more flooding and were warning people to stay indoors as much as possible.

Heavy rain

Police have also warned drivers to take extra precautions in the heavy rain.

The Met Office has issued a severe weather warning for all of England and Wales from between 0000 BST and 1200 BST on Saturday.

A Shropshire County Council spokesman said: "Given that the ground is saturated following recent floods, there is potential for further disruption.

"Divisional teams will be on standby throughout the weekend so that any disruption caused by this heavy rainfall can be kept to a minimum."

'Unprecedented' rainfall

In Tenbury, a dozen residents left their homes after about 0.6in (15mm) of rain fell in one hour on Tuesday.

The downpour followed flooding on 27 June, when people had to be rescued after the River Teme burst its banks.

Some people are blaming poor drainage for the latest problems but the county council said it could do nothing about the "unprecedented" levels of rainfall.

Sergeant John Roberts, of West Mercia Police, said: "Torrential rain over the next few days will almost certainly cause roads across the force area to flood again.

"If you come across a flooded road to do not attempt to cross as you cannot judge how the deep the water will get and what hidden hazards may be under the water."




SEE ALSO
Clear-up starts after more floods
18 Jul 07 |  Hereford/Worcs
Beleaguered town sees more floods
17 Jul 07 |  Hereford/Worcs

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