Travel disruption on West Midlands roads and trains as storms set to return

A yellow alert for rain has been issued by the Met Office, warning of disruption and "unseasonable" weather throughout Friday.

People were warned of potential floods to low-lying roads and disruption to public transport across the UK – with some thunderstorms also expected.

Although the morning and early afternoon was expected to stay mainly dry in the Black Country and Staffordshire, rain and thunderstorms were predicted to return between 4pm and 6pm.

The Met Office predicted a 70 per cent chance of rain during rush hour, meaning driving conditions could again be challenging.

There was minor disruption during the morning rush hour after the overnight rain, with drivers left facing delays after a crash on the M54 at around 6.30am.

Tailbacks and delays of around 20 minutes developed following the incident between Junction 3 at Albrighton and Junction 4 at Shifnal.

Meanwhile a fallen tree branch blocked part of the A41 next to Paget Lane in Wolverhampton and a small flood shut Newport Road in Albrighton.

Passengers were also left facing train delays and cancellations after damage to overhead electric wires blocked the line between Coventry and Birmingham New Street.

Trains running between the stations were expected to be cancelled or delayed by up to 60 minutes until midday.

Meanwhile a warning for heavy wind has been issued for tomorrow with heavy showers possible in some places.

There is a high risk of gales throughout the weekend, according to forecasters, and Stafford Farmers Market has been cancelled as a result.

WATCH: Severe weather on the way

Neil Armstrong, chief meteorologist at the Met Office, said: “This low-pressure system will bring challenging conditions, including unseasonably strong winds and heavy rain, from the west during Friday and Saturday.

"Summer storms – compared with those in autumn and winter – always have the potential to create additional impacts because more people are likely to be outdoors, especially by the coast.

"Additionally with trees in full leaf they are more vulnerable to being brought down by strong winds.”

Highways England's head of road safety, Richard Leonard, urged drivers to take extra care on the roads due to the conditions.

Mr Leonard said: “We’re encouraging drivers to check the latest weather and travel conditions before setting off on journeys and consider if their journey is necessary and can be delayed until conditions improve.

"If you do intend to travel, then plan your journey and take extra care, allowing more time.

“In high winds, there’s a particular risk to lorries, caravans and motorbikes so we’d advise drivers of these vehicles to slow down and avoid using exposed sections of road if possible.”.

It comes as two festivals were cancelled after heavy rain and wind was forecast.

The three-day Boardmasters music festival, due to to be headlined by the Wu-Tang Clan, Florence And The Machine and Foals, was going to take place in Cornwall this weekend.

And Walsall's own Jorja Smith was also expected to perform at the Newquay festival.

But organisers made the decision to cancel after speaking with police and safety advisers.

Houghton, a Nortfolk dance music festival, was cancelled just hours before it was due to start.