Elderly driver killed as his car is submerged by flash floods
FLASH floods in the Midlands have claimed their first victim after two vehicles were swamped in Walsall.
The owner of one of the vehicles, who was in his 80s, was pronounced dead in the early hours of yesterday morning after being taken to hospital. A second person was found in the water unhurt.
Police were called to Lichfield Road, Rushall, at around 2am after reports that the vehicles had been submerged.
Ch Insp Paul Ditta, of West Midlands Police said: “Our thoughts are with the family of the man who died today. There are a number of roads affected across the region that have been badly affected by the flooding. Many people will be heading away for half term and I’d urge people to take care on the roads and allow extra time to travel.”
The floods caused chaos on what was one of the hottest days of the year so far in the South East. Parts of the Midlands saw significant disruption, with a major route into Birmingham left impassable by floodwater up to 5ft deep.
Routes also became impassable in the South with at least three cars being stuck in water on the A27 near Hove.
The Environment Agency warned motorists not to drive through deep floodwater, reminding people that just 30cm can float a family car.
Yesterday yellow weather warnings were issued by the Met Office, covering, Wales and much of southern and eastern England.
It said that more rain, lightening and flooding should be expected this morning – potentially damaging buildings and causing more disruption to transport routes.