Flood warnings still in place as river levels rise

A car was stranded in flood water on Sherridge Road, near Malvern

Flood warnings remain in place in Herefordshire and Worcestershire in the wake of Storm Gerrit and high river levels.

There has been water on roads and paths across the two counties, with notices issued for areas along the rivers Severn and Avon.

The Environment Agency (EA) said flooding of property, roads and farmland was expected.

It said it was taking extra measures to protect properties in Worcestershire, while Herefordshire Council warned of standing water and urged drivers to take care.

The Hereford Times reported the River Wye was still out of its banks in Hereford, with riverside paths under water in some places.

On Sherridge Road in Leigh Sinton, Malvern, a car was stranded in flood water.

The Met Office reported the worst of Storm Gerrit had passed, with the last few days of 2023 forecast to be unsettled with strong winds, rain and even snow on higher ground.

Chief forecaster Steven Ramsdale said heavy rain would spread across all but the far north on Saturday but would be a step down from that seen during the storm.

'Take action'

Chris Bainger from the EA told BBC Radio Shropshire it was likely that a flood warning would be issued for Bridgnorth, meaning people should take preparatory action.

"We will have Environment Agency officers out on the ground [on Friday] just giving people an update on that," he said.

Mr Bainger added river levels were also rising in Shrewsbury and would peak sometime on Friday afternoon.

He said he expected flood defences would need to be fully deployed around Montford Bridge.