Storm Claudia unleashed torrential rain across the Midlands, transforming roads into hazardous waterways and causing significant disruption for drivers. The Black Country was among the worst-hit areas, with dramatic footage capturing the challenging conditions motorists faced.
Hazardous Driving Conditions Captured on Camera
On Friday evening, cars were filmed navigating a submerged road near the River Stour in the Black Country. The vehicles moved slowly through the deep water, their passage sending what appeared as small waves across the flooded surface. The affected road passes over the river via a bridge, a spot particularly vulnerable to rising water levels.
Official Warnings and Regional Impact
The chaos followed a day of severe weather alerts. On Thursday, November 14, amber and yellow weather warnings for rain were in force for Birmingham and parts of the Black Country. This led to widespread flooding on several roads across the West Midlands conurbation.
The Environment Agency had issued specific flood warnings for the River Stour at Halesowen and for Lutley Gutter, which affects the Belle Vale area in Halesowen. Fortunately, these warnings have now been lifted. Other major roads severely impacted included Stratford Road in Sparkhill, which was described as resembling a river, and Wolverhampton Road in Oldbury.
A Drier Outlook Ahead
There is hope for a respite from the relentless wet weather. The Met Office forecasts that conditions will start to clear from the weekend. For Sunday, November 16, the forecast predicts dull conditions and drizzle in the south slowly clearing, with drier weather and bright spells elsewhere.
Looking further ahead from Monday to Wednesday (November 17-19), the UK's weather service anticipates a cold and frosty start on Monday with sunshine. However, there is a risk of rain, sleet, and even hill snow returning on Tuesday and into Wednesday, accompanied by overnight frosts.
