Storm Dennis' aftermath has caused roads to crack in the Midlands as surging water levels create a build-up of pressure on riverside flood barriers.
The local council said people were being urged to leave around 30 riverside homes at the Wharfage, where the River Severn flows through Shropshire in Telford, after cracks were seen along the roadside at the water's edge.
Riverside communities at the Wharfage and Ironbridge are being warned by the Environment Agency to store their valuables and pack emergency bags full of medicines and insurance documents today.
Telford and Wrekin Council said this morning an evacuation was already underway for dozens of residents at the Wharfage due to road cracking from water pressure caused by the havoc wrought by Storm Dennis.
West Mercia police have closed the local high street at the Iron Bridge due to a severe flooding warning, as Shropshire residents are urged to follow emergency services' directions.
UK weather: Seven severe flood warnings as more rain on way in Storm Dennis aftermath
Storm Dennis victim was on Glen Nevis training course when he fell 100ft into gorge
Pictures show the river running high as muddy brown water surges through the waterway.
River levels are forecast to rise between 6.5 and 6.7metres from Tuesday afternoon, the Environment Agency is warning.
The fresh threats comes after Storm Dennis plunged parts of the Midlands and north east underwater over the weekend, leaving residents, businesses and emergency services battling floodwaters.
Major incidents have been declared in South Wales, Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Shropshire in the storm's wake.
Storm Dennis: Britain faces 'national emergency' as flooding devastation deepens
Shortly before dawn the council said it had already had contractors move 21 cars away from the Wharfage and Dale End car parks, at risk of damage from riverside flooding.
The local authority is urging motorists to avoid driving through floodwater, warning that the waves risk further damaging properties.
Locals are being urged to collect sandbags as they shore up their properties against the floods.
With more rains still forecast, river levels are expected to rise further this evening throughout the Midlands.
Environment Agency Midlands has issued severe flood warnings for Herefordshire, Worcestershire, Gloucestershire and Staffordshire.
Half of the eight severe danger to life flood warnings issued by the Environment Agency for England today concern communities alongside the River Severn.
Danger to life flood warnings are also in place for the River Lugg at Hampton Bishop, the River Trent at Burton upon Trent, and the River Wye at Hampton Bishop.
'Wonderful' dad found dead in sea three weeks after being swept away
West Mercia Police said earlier residents in Upton upon Severn and Uckinghall, in Worcestershire, were advised to evacuate, with water levels expected to peak this evening.
Emergency evacuations were carried out in Hereford, where the River Wye reached its highest level on record.
And homes in Monmouth were evacuated after Natural Resources Wales issued two severe "danger to life" flood warnings for the River Wye in the town.
The storm had dealt the UK's already drenched flood-plains and valleys a blow only days after Storm Ciara caused havoc around Britain.
The River Wye reached its highest levels on record on Monday, peaking at more than six metres, with the Environment Agency (EA) describing levels as "exceptional" and residents in Hereford saying they had never seen anything like it.
Landslide filmed pulling homes off cliff into flooded river days after heavy rain
A further 184 flood warnings remained in place for the rest of England by shortly before 10am today.
The Met Office this morning issued warnings for more rain across the UK.
The Environment Agency (EA) said downpours have swelled rivers to "exceptional" levels in parts of Britain – while snow and ice are expected in parts of Scotland today.
Communities across the country are counting the cost of the weekend's storm, which has left hundreds of properties flooded,
Prime Minister Boris Johnson is under fire as he resisted calls to chair emergency COBRA meetings to address the flood crisis.
Storm Dennis has already been linked to loss of life.
Yvonne Booth, 55, was swept away by floodwater near Tenbury in Worcestershire on Sunday and was found dead on Monday.
Source: Read Full Article
