The Environment Agency has escalated its flood response across the West Midlands, issuing 12 immediate flood warnings and maintaining 13 flood alerts throughout the region following the aftermath of Storm Claudia.
Immediate Action Required in Multiple Locations
Residents in affected areas are being urged to take immediate protective measures as flooding is expected in several communities. The warnings come after persistent heavy rainfall battered the West Midlands on November 14, with water levels continuing to rise throughout Friday, November 15.
Among the most concerning situations are the River Tame at Hamstead, where multiple residential and industrial areas face flooding threats, and the River Stour at Stourbridge, where several key locations including Prestwood, Bells Mill, and Canal Street are at risk.
Full List of Affected Areas
The Environment Agency has identified specific watercourses and communities under threat. The 12 flood warnings currently active cover:
- Waterhead Brook at Bushbury, Wolverhampton affecting Abbeyfield Road
- Saredon Brook at Standeford near Coven, Staffordshire impacting Stafford Road
- River Stour at Stourbridge threatening Prestwood, Bells Mill, Rushall Close, Morrow Way, Bradley Road, Canal Street and Mill Race Lane
- Lutley Gutter at Halesowen affecting Clancey Way and Belle Vale
- River Stour at Halesowen impacting A459, Grange Crescent and Hayseech Road
- Illey Brook at Halesowen threatening Chadbury Road and Woodman Close
- River Tame at Hamstead affecting Woodend, Greenway, Beauchamp Avenue, The Croftway, Walcot Drive, Hamstead Road, Kirkstone Crescent, Old Walsall Road and Hampstead Industrial Estate
- River Cole at Coleshill impacting Station Road
- River Tame at Whitacre and Nether Whitacre affecting Birmingham Road, Coton Road, Station Road and Middle Lane area
- Bourne Brook at Hints and Drayton Manor Park threatening Swiss Lodge Drive
- Rea Brook in Shrewsbury
- Spadesbourne Brook at Bromsgrove affecting The Midland Waterlife Centre
Ongoing Flood Alert Coverage
In addition to the immediate warnings, 13 flood alerts remain in place across a broader area, indicating that flooding remains possible and residents should be prepared. These alerts cover numerous river systems including the River Severn in Shropshire, River Worfe, River Stour and Smestow Brook in the Black Country, and River Rea in Birmingham.
The Environment Agency emphasizes that the situation remains fluid, with conditions potentially changing rapidly as water continues to move through river systems. Emergency services across the region are maintaining heightened readiness to respond to any flooding incidents.
Residents in affected areas are advised to monitor local updates closely, avoid walking or driving through flood water, and move valuable items to safety where possible. The agency continues to monitor river levels closely and will update warnings as conditions develop throughout the weekend.
