In pictures – flooding on Stratford district’s roads sees cars abandoned

DRIVERS have been forced to abandon cars as flooding hit the district’s roads.

Heavy rain from Storm Barbet left some roads around south Warwickshire impassable while standing water made conditions tricky on other routes.

There were reports of slow-moving traffic on the A46 – especially between Stratford and Alcester because of flooding – and in Halford, at the junction of B4455 and A429, cars had been abandoned.

The weather also forced the cancellation of Alcester Food Festival, which was due to take place tomorrow (Saturday).

A statement from the organisers said: “It is with deepest regret that we are having to cancel tomorrow’s food festival due to local flooding.

“We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience, we we hoping the weather was going to let up.”

Warwickshire Police warned: “There’s a lot of problems on roads this morning with flooding and standing water in some areas of the county. Please allow extra time for your journey, take your time, and adjust your driving accordingly.”

River levels in Stratford are higher than normal with some local roads experiencing heavy surface water and a risk of flooding but town centre roads remain clear however stretches of road on the outskirts of Stratford which are currently most affected include Shottery and parts of Alcester Road.

Flooding is expected on the River Alne at Aston Cantlow and Great Alne. The River Arrow at Washford Mill. The River Blythe at Earlswood and also the River Alne at Wootton Wawen and Henley.

Flooding is possible on Rivers Stour, and Alne.

The forecast is for more rain overnight.

Stratford’s Burton Farm Household Waste Recycling Centre is also closed today. Warwickshire County Council said it was because to a large volume of standing water on the approach to the site.