Important information for road users after Storm Bert hits Shropshire

Storm Bert has hit Shropshire today (Saturday 23 November 2024) with the Met Office predicting 20-40mm of rain across some areas of Shropshire, and the western part of the county covered by a yellow warning for rain.

Due to the intense rainfall – along with melting snow – and saturated catchments it’s possible that some roads will be flooded, but will not be signed. People are therefore being asked to consider if their journey is necessary, and to take care if they must travel.

Shropshire Council has highways teams working across the county, though is unable to attend every location.

The council has issued the following information and advice.

1. Highway drainage systems are designed to drain the hardstanding area of the highway only. They have limited capacity and will not be able to deal with additional run-off from the land during storm events.
2. Although it’s important the highway drainge network is maintained, during an intense rainfall event any run-off from the catchment that exceeds the capacity of the highway drains will result in localised temporary flooding.
3. Most highway drains are 150mm (6”) in diameter and will empty into the nearest watercourse. If this watercourse is full and flooding the land, the highway drain will not be able to discharge until water levels drop.
4. The majority of highway floods during a storm are temporary, and once the rain stops water will slowly drain away as the highway drains begin to deal with the flood.
5. Shropshire Council will endeavour to cleanse sections of the highway that have been impacted by flooding, but we will be unable to attend every location. Prioritisation will be given to A and B roads meaning some minor roads may not be cleared until resources become available.

Flooding on the roads can be reported to Shropshire Council via the Fix My Street app, the Council website, or by calling 0345 678 9006. If there is an emergency or a risk to life please dial 999.