River Severn flooding: Pitchcroft now underwater

There will now be fears of further flooding as more rain is forecast in the coming days.

Flood alerts on the River Severn and River Avon, issued by the Environment Agency earlier in the week, remained in place on Friday afternoon, (December 29). 

The alert said river levels remain high and flooding of low-lying land near the river is expected. 

SEVERN: River Severn from Hylton Road (Image: Sam Greenway/Newsquest)A stronger flood warning, which means flooding is expected on property and immediate action required, was on the River Severn in Hanley Road, Upton upon Severn and Court Meadow, Kempsey and Callow End.

In the warnings, the agency said: "Further rainfall is forecast over the next few days and we expect river levels to remain high.

"We are closely monitoring the situation.

DEFENCES: Flood pumps on Hylton Road (Image: Sam Greenway/Newsquest)"Our incident response staff are checking defences.

"Please avoid using low-lying footpaths near local watercourses and plan driving routes to avoid low-lying roads near rivers, which may be flooded."

On Friday morning the River Severn had burst its banks, covering South Quay and around Sabrina Bridge. 

Pitchcroft was also underwater, canoeists making the trip around the racecourse typically raced by horses. 

CANOEING: Canoeists on Pitchcroft (Image: Sam Greenway/Newsquest)

Roads closed included Eckington Bridge in Eckington Road, Birlingham, and Mill Lane, Hanley Castle in New Street, Upton Upon Severn, between the Old Fire Station to The Fruit Farm U61204 junction.

We have been tracking the River Severn level. At Barbourne the level was at 4.42m at 1pm on Friday.

BRIDGE: The scene at Sabrina Bridge (Image: Sam Greenway/Newsquest)

In comparison at 7.30am on December 28 the river level was at 4.03m.

The flood pumps on Hylton Road have been set up and are ready to go if required.

And drivers have continued to be warned not to drive through flood water. 

UNDERWATER: Pitchcroft underwater (Image: Sam Greenway/Newsquest)

The Environment Agency said: "The number one cause of death during flooding is driving through flood water.

"Never be tempted to drive through flowing flood water as just 30cm is enough to move your car.

"If you come to flood water on your journey turn around and find an alternative route."

The Met Office says rain, heavy at times, is forecast throughout the weekend and into next week.