Birmingham schools announce closures after 'severe' flooding and 'significant damage'
At least five schools in Birmingham will be closed today after being flooded in the heavy rain. Parents have been warned not to bring their children to the schools today (Friday, September 27) while clean-up operations take place.
The schools affected are: Bournville School; St Brigid’s Catholic Primary School in Northfield; St Laurence Church Junior School in Northfield; Victoria School in Northfield, Longwill School for Deaf Children in Northfield and St John Fisher Catholic School.
Bournville School wrote on social media: "Just to confirm school closed to students tomorrow, Friday 27th September due to flooding. Full details have been sent home via email and are on the school website. Thank you for your support and understanding."
St Laurence Church Junior School warned: "Due to flooding, school will be closed to children on Friday 27th September 27."
A spokesman for Victoria Road School issued a message to parents on their website stating the school had been 'severely' flooded. It read: "Unfortunately we have had a severe flood across the whole of the school site, which has resulted in significant water damage in all areas.
"We have had to make the decision to CLOSE school on Friday 27th September to students. Be aware that the phone lines have also been affected so emails may be best. We will be in contact with more information tomorrow.""
Longwill School also issued a message to pupils and parents, which read: "Due to unprecedented rainfall leading to flash flooding. Longwill School is now closed. School will be closed to both Staff and Pupils tomorrow 27th September 2024."
The Met Office had issued an amber warning for rain, which hit the region at 6pm on Thursday.
The national weather agency said: “Some places, especially across central and eastern parts of the warning area, are likely to receive 30 to 40mm in three hours or less, and perhaps 50 to 60mm or more in around six hours. This rain will fall onto already saturated ground and affect communities recovering from recent flooding. Travel disruption and further flooding is likely, with rivers continuing to rise after the rain clears.”
The Environment Agency issued ‘imminent flood’ warnings to homes in Selly Oak, Edgbaston, Bournville and Stirchley amid the heavy rain, and cars also became stuck on flooded roads around the city.
An earlier version of this story incorrectly carried a picture of Bournville Junior School. We are happy to point out the Junior School remains open.