Storm Francis forces attractions to close across region due to high winds
Strong winds and heavy rain have given the region a battering today – as parks and attractions were forced to close.
Storm Francis came down hard on the Black Country and Staffordshire – the Met Office put in place an amber warning for wind for the majority of the day with a yellow warning stretching into tomorrow.
Dudley Zoo ended up completely closing for the day due to strong winds being dangerous for the animals on show – and also the visitors.
Bosses said: "For the health and safety of our animals, staff and visitors, the decision has been made to close the zoo for the rest of today, with immediate effect, due to an upgraded weather warning for the West Midlands.
"We are sorry for any inconvenience this will cause."
The National Trust estate Shugborough Park also closed for the day in the afternoon due to high winds.
A spokesman said: "Due to high winds Shugborough will be closing today, August 25, at 1pm. Last entry is at 12:00. If you have booked a ticket with us, we'll be in touch soon."
Essington Fruit Farm near Wolverhampton had also planned to host a pick-your-own-fruit day for visitors but had to cancel this.
There was also flooding in some areas of the region, meaning heavy traffic throughout the day as drivers battled to get to and from work.
A yellow warning for wind extends into tomorrow although the chance of rain is looking less likely.
It comes as families across the area enjoy the last week of the summer holidays before a new term starts next week.
Across the UK, homes have been flooded, rail lines blocked and campers rescued as Storm Francis begins to lash the nation with strong winds and heavy rain.
The incidents came as the Met Office issued an amber warning for very strong winds across most of Wales and central England between 2pm and 10pm on Tuesday.
Gusts of up to 65mph could be felt inland, with forecasters warning of disruption to transport, power cuts and potential flying debris that could lead to “injuries or danger to life”.
Emergency services have already warned the public to take extra care in the stormy conditions across the UK, particularly along the coast.
South Wales Police said they were involved in two separate water searches from the swollen River Taff on Tuesday.
A spokeswoman said emergency services were searching the River Taff in Cardiff following reports of a person having entered the water near the Principality Stadium shortly before 8.40am, while a river search was under way in the river in Taff’s Well following reports of a canoeist having capsized.
A woman was also rescued at the River Ely in Leckwith following reports of a person in difficulty, the force said on Twitter.
Meanwhile, fire crews had to rescue holidaymakers from a flooded campsite in the town of St Clears, Carmarthenshire, after river levels rose in the area.
Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service said nine people and two dogs were rescued by fire service personnel using a swift rescue sledge, lines and wading gear.
Crews also gave medical treatment to one man and evacuated 30 other people from a flooded caravan site in Wiseman’s Bridge, Narberth, while 12 caravans were also removed from the site.
A number of homes in Wales were also said to have been hit by flooding in Llanelli, Neath, Whitland and Tonyrefail, while some roads across the country were left underwater.
Elsewhere, travellers were warned of flooding disrupting rail services and trees blocking roads on Tuesday morning.
