Bewdley Town Council logo

Flooding Update – 23 February 2022

/in /by

Storm Franklin Flooding Event Update: 

 Overall Sitrep

  • Bewdley flood gauge 5.05 (top of Beales corner barrier 5.0)
  • Water at this point is outflanking / overtopping the barrier thus rendering barrier ineffective
  • Properties at risk of flooding – NB some properties have installed Flood Protection System in place
  • This is unlike 2021 when the barriers failed – More controlled event
  • Flood pumps already removed from behind the barrier to protect the assets – these will be redeployed when suitable
  • River levels at Bewdley predicted to peak at 5.4m on Wednesday PM

Flood Impacts

  • If the level increases to the 2020 level of c. 5.48 m on the gauge, then we would see a repeat of the 2020 impact event, Flooding at-
  • Upper Arley
  • Northwood Lane
  • Beales Corner / Wribbenhall
  • Stourport
  • Access to various businesses especially on Sandy Lane
  • Bewdley bridge / Switchback closed – Pedestrian access still open – Shuttle bus in operation (check WCC website)

 Caravan Parks (generally external flooding only)

  • Lickhill Manor
  • Redstone and Severnside
  • Stourport
  • Stourport Motor Yacht & Bungalow assoc
  • Walshes

Environment Agency Guidance

A severe flood warning is in force for the River Severn at Wribbenhall, Bewdley. Severe flooding is expected to continue. There is a danger to life. The temporary barriers at Beales Corner have exceeded their capacity on Tuesday afternoon, 22/02/22. EA operatives have been withdrawn from behind the barriers. It is strongly recommended that residents evacuate from behind the defences due to the risk. You need to act immediately to implement your emergency flood plan as severe flooding to homes & main roads is expected to continue. The level at Bewdley gauge is forecast to reach up to 5.0-5.4m by Wednesday. Levels are forecast to remain high for a prolonged period due to further rainfall this week.

 Met Office Guidance

It will remain unsettled this week, but the risk of further impacts from wind and rain is much lower than we have seen in recent days, particularly across the south. A strong jet stream is driving weather systems across the North Atlantic Ocean with a succession of weather fronts moving into the UK bringing more wet and windy weather at times this week.

Once Storm Franklin cleared the UK a band of rain and strong winds pushed into the northwest. This weather front is moving south and east today petering out as it does so. Behind the rain there is another spell of sunshine and showers, some of which could be wintry over the hills in the north.

Showers will, once again, move into the north and west on Wednesday bringing more wind and a band of heavy rain which could fall as snow or sleet over the hills, but also to lower levels at times. A number of yellow National Severe Weather warnings have been issued for both wind and snow. The rain and blustery conditions will push south and east through the day. Away from the weather front it will be mainly dry, blustery, and sunny for many.

There will be a frosty start for some on Thursday. Gusty winds and heavy rain continue to move south and east across the country, clearing the Southeast of England by late morning. Wintry showers are expected mainly over the hills in the north again, but there could be some snow to low levels at times.

The weather is expected to be more settled on Friday before another windy spell, especially in the north, heralds the start of the weekend.

We are expecting to issue further National Severe Weather warnings this week, but the risk of impacts is lower than we have seen in recent days.