Storm Babet: Fire Service issues plea following yellow weather warning

Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service is urging the public to avoid flood water following heavy rainfall today.

The MET Office have release a Yellow Weather Warning for continued heavy rain throughout today and the Service is asking the public to follow the following guidance:

• Do not drive through flood water- it can be deeper than it appears
• Do not walk through flood water- hazards may be hidden under the surface of the water
• Only call 999 if there is a threat to life or health or if flood water is affecting electrics
• Avoid driving if possible- if you must drive take extra care, reduce your speed and allow extra time to make your journey.
• Several roads are closed in Shropshire so please check before you travel

Assistant Chief Fire Officer Guy Williams said: “We are working closely with partner agencies to minimise any impact the heavy rainfall has on the public. Flood precautions are being put in place and our crews are ready to respond to life risk flood related incidents.

“We ask the public to follow our advice and not to drive through flood water. Unfortunately we have already seen incidents where a car is stuck in the water today and we are hoping to avoid other motorists becoming trapped. Although the water may look shallow enough to drive through it is extremely difficult to tell and so we ask drivers to avoid taking the risk.

“The roads in general will be more dangerous during the current weather conditions and we ask you to avoid driving unless absolutely necessary, reduce your speed and take extra care if you do have to drive.

“Our Fire Control Team have already received more than 200 calls during rush hour this morning (Friday) and are still extremely busy with incoming reports. Please only call 999 if there is an emergency such as a threat to life or water is affecting electrics. We are of course still responding to all other emergency calls such as fire and collisions etc. If you have concerns for road conditions or need to report flooding please contact your local council."