FLOODS have caused chaos across Warwickshire.
Persistent heavy rain yesterday caused river levels to rise affecting homes, roads and public transport across the county – with more rainfall expected today.
In the south Warwickshire warnings are in place for risks to properties near the rivers Dene, Alne and Stour. The Stour in Shipston, swelled to nearly three times its average level.
While levels are now falling in these areas, in Stratford the Avon’s average level has more than doubled and continues to rise. Meteorologists expect flooding to properties later today in the town and surrounding villages. Temporary barriers have been put up along Waterside to protect buildings.
Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service was called out into the early hours to marooned cars. Drivers have been urged to not ignore, and even remove, road closure signs.
In Marton, near Rugby, a lorry driver who ignored signs caused a wave to wash through a nearby building where crews were working at the time to prevent flooding.
Road closures remain in Aston Cantlow, Bearley, Wootton Wawen, Snitterfield, Shipston, Treadington, Walton, Henley, Leek Wootton, Kenilworth, Church Lawford, Wolston and Princethorpe. Some vehicles are understood to have been abandoned in areas with deep standing water.
Some 50 schools also closed across Warwickshire.
Search Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service on Facebook or Twitter to follow updates or visit flood-warning-information.service.gov.uk.
