Shrewsbury flood barriers coming down as river level starts to drop
This spectacular photo shows the weir in Shrewsbury almost "drowned out" as river levels began to fall today, with the flood barriers in the town being removed this afternoon.
Water levels reached a peak last night and were expected to slowly recede today, with a flood warning for the Severn at the Showground and the Quarry now removed.
The Environment Agency's Chris Bainger, who took the picture this morning, tweeted:
Flood waters are starting to recede but saturated ground is still causing a headache for homeowners and motorists.
After reaching its peak on Wednesday, the Cound, Teme, Severn and Reabrook burst their banks and flood waters encroached onto flood plains, walkways and footpaths.
Barriers were installed at Frankwell car park in Shrewsbury as a precaution, although these were dismantled within 24 hours once the threat of flooding had diminished.
The flooding was caused by heavy rainfall in Wales, causing the rivers to swell and thousands of tonnes of water to spill on to neighbouring land.
One of the events to fall foul of the weather was the Weston Park Horse Trials, due to take place this weekend. Heavy rainfall had made the going underfoot treacherous and organisers of the event, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, took the decision to cancel to ensure that neither horse, rider or spectator came to harm.
Meanwhile, a flood warning which had been issued for the West Mid Showground and Quarry in Shrewsbury was lifted this morning.
However, flooding was still possible along stretches of the River Severn at Crew Green, Montford, Welsh Bridge, Buildwas and Bridgnorth.
Gravel Hill Lane in Shrewsbury was under inches of water and was only navigable by 4x4, and the Cae Howel to Edgerley road and Ponthen to Cae Howel road were passable with care.
And while some may have thought spring had sprung with today's blue skies and warmer weather, the forecast is not quite so perky.
Heavy rain will once again sweep the county on Saturday morning and temperatures will struggle.
Sunday looks slightly better, with cloudy skies and milder temperatures. The rainy and cloudy weather will continue into next week.
