Severe flooding has led to the closure of multiple major roads across Birmingham and the wider West Midlands region following persistent heavy rainfall. The adverse weather conditions have created hazardous driving situations, with authorities urging motorists to exercise extreme caution and avoid affected areas where possible.
Key Transport Routes Affected by Flood Waters
The A4545 dual carriageway, a crucial transport link that opened in June 2025, has been closed in both directions between the M42 motorway near Solihull and the A45 route serving Birmingham Airport. This closure results from significant water accumulation on the roadway, severely disrupting access to one of the region's most important transport hubs.
Highways England has confirmed that specialist equipment is currently en route to clear the flood water from the affected section. Motorists planning to travel to Birmingham Airport are advised to seek alternative routes and allow additional time for their journeys until the situation improves.
Additional Road Closures Across the Region
Further flooding incidents have been reported at other locations across the West Midlands. The A460 Eastern Way southbound in Cannock remains closed due to flooding between A5190 Lichfield Road and Orbital Way, commonly known as the Cat Roundabout. This additional closure compounds travel difficulties across the region.
Public transport services have also been impacted, with the X51 bus route experiencing diversions due to the flooding conditions. Commuters using this service should anticipate delays and potential changes to their regular routes until water levels subside.
Multiple Flood Warnings Issued Across Midlands
The Environment Agency has issued a substantial 91 flood warnings, with significant concentrations across southern and south-western England, as well as both the East and West Midlands regions. These warnings indicate areas where flooding is expected and immediate action is required from residents and travelers.
Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service has issued a specific caution regarding rising water levels at River Dene, stating: "Due to heavy prolonged rainfall today the local levels at River Dene have risen to a state where flooding is imminent." This warning underscores the seriousness of the current weather situation across the region.
Weather Forecast and Ongoing Concerns
Meteorological forecasts indicate that the rainfall is expected to continue overnight into the early hours across the West Midlands, with further precipitation anticipated throughout the coming week. The BBC weather forecast provides detailed predictions for the immediate period ahead.
This evening and overnight: The persistent rain will gradually break up into scattered showers, with variable cloud cover and some clear breaks developing. Conditions will remain mild throughout the night despite the precipitation.
Tomorrow's outlook: The weather pattern will continue with alternating periods of thick cloud and brighter intervals, accompanied by scattered showers moving in from the south-west. These showers may intensify and become more frequent as the day progresses.
Early week forecast: Monday will see largely cloudy conditions with isolated showers during daylight hours. Tuesday will bring breezier conditions with patchy light rain, though more persistent rainfall is expected towards the end of the day and into the overnight period. Wednesday morning should see the rain clearing, leaving behind variable cloud and further showers.
Residents across Birmingham and the West Midlands are advised to stay informed about local conditions, check travel updates regularly, and follow guidance from emergency services and transport authorities during this period of adverse weather.
