M54 closed at Telford and trains cancelled as Storm Babet brings …

Flooding in Shifnal, Telford on Friday as motorists battle through deep water along the A41

The M54 at Telford has been closed because of the torrential rain.

A 30-hour weather warning for rain is in place for the region for the whole of Friday and into Saturday.

Flooding on the line between Shrewsbury and Wolverhampton saw services cancelled with Network Rail reporting that the line was blocked and they expected cancellations until around 1pm.

Commuters waiting for trains between Telford and Wolverhampton also faced a number of cancellations. Thetrainline.com is displaying cancellations on today’s trains right through to the evening.

Elsewhere in the West Midlands, the line between Walsall and Rugeley Trent Valley was also blocked and passengers were relying on the rail replacement buses.

Motorists fared no better on Friday morning, with traffic brought to a crawl east bound on the M54, with long tailbacks reported at both junction 5 for Telford and junction 6 for Wellington.

The motorway was eventually closed in both directions between junctions 6 and 7 due to flooding.

Roads around a number of towns were also flooded. Much Wenlock in Shropshire was among the worst hit, with knee high flooding along seeing drivers needing assistance to clear the flood hit medieval High Street.

The A4117 from Cleobury Mortimer to Ludlow and A458 at Much Wenlock were also closed due to flooding.

Flooding was also reported along Ironbridge High Street and in Shifnal, Telford on Friday, where motorists also battled through deep water along the A41.