Highways teams, fire crews and other organisations are continuing to work hard to combat the effects of flooding on Staffordshire communities.

As heavy rain continues to fall across the county, surface flooding is affecting roads and some properties. People are being urged to travel with extreme caution throughout the day and tomorrow.

Three flood warnings have so far been issued – at Picknall Brook and Marchington Brook in East Staffordshire and Tean in Staffordshire Moorlands – with more expected to follow. St Michael’s First School in Stone has closed because of the weather. Seven minor roads have been closed with some main roads partially flooded.

Staffordshire County Council’s contact centre has received over 500 flood related calls. The contact centre – which can be called on 0300 111 8000 – will have additional staff handling calls tomorrow. The fire service has reminded people only to call 999 in a real emergency. People are also being reminded that sandbags are being used in emergencies only and that members of the public should not call to request them.

Staffordshire County Council highways leader Mike Maryon urged people to be careful when out and about, even when the rain has stopped.

He added: “Our teams are working hard to combat the effects of the flooding but we would ask that people bear with us – today’s heavy rain follows what has been the wettest three months on record so the ground is saturated.

“People should take extreme care when travelling. Standing water could remain on the roads hours after the worst of the rain has passed. We would ask people only to call our contact centre if the problem is bad and not to call the emergency service except in a real emergency.

“Flood levels could rise overnight and tomorrow so again we would ask people to be careful and check latest flood reports.”

For latest information people should go to www.staffordshireprepared.gov.uk