‘Do not travel’ warning in Walsall as multiple roads flooded including major route blocked

A major route in Walsall was blocked as the borough faced huge flooding following heavy downpours. A small stretch of the A461 Lichfield Road was impassable on Sunday, November 24.

Traffic information provider Inrix said it was due to water from Harpur Road to Cartbridge Lane. It meant disruption for traffic on both directions of the busy stretch linking Walsall to Staffordshire.

Walsall Council said heavy rain had caused flooding in a number of communities and urged people only to travel if necessary. “We are working with our partners to get drains cleared as soon as we can,” a spokesperson said.

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It comes after West Midlands Fire Service said crews had been sent to Bridgeman Street in Walsall early Sunday morning to rescue a driver stranded in floodwater. Crews from Bloxwich were deployed to help a man to safety.

“Remember, 30cm of water is enough to move a car,” the service said. “Do not drive through flood water.”

West Midlands Police said Brockhurst Crescent was flooded by the RAC Centre. The force posted an image it said was “typical of many roads in Walsall” and urged people to take care.

Meanwhile parts of Coventry, Warwickshire and Worcestershire were under the yellow warning. Heavy rain in Shropshire was also leading to train delays, West Midlands Railway said.

Services running between Birmingham New Street and Shrewsbury were impacted with replacement bus services requested for the line. There was also flooding between Walsall and Rugeley Trent Valley with road transport ordered.

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