DRIVERS are facing problems this morning as more rain falls and the rivers rise in Worcestershire.

With rivers set to peak today the county has already seen disruption to travel, with roads closed.

The B4211 Hanley Road, in Upton Upon Severn, is closed as the Severn rises in the town, which is protected by flood defences. New Street, also in Upton upon Severn, is also closed due to flooding and the town’s new flood gates at Dunns lane were also closed this morning in an effort to protect homes and businesses from flood water.

Elsewhere, Horn Lane, Hillside, near Clifton upon Teme, is 'just passable' due to floods.

Mill Bank, in Fladbury, is closed due to flooding, as is Green Lane in Oddingley.

The B4080 Pershore Road, in Eckington, is also among the road closures this morning due to flooding.

Meanwhile, the A4103 in Storridge has been reported as 'just passable'.

The wet weather has also taken its toll on bus services in Worcester and surrounding areas.

Disruption has been reported on the following services this morning:

  • 41-42-43 Upton to Malvern.
  • 308 Worcester - Martley.
  • 362-364 Worcester - Kempsey - Upton.
  • 363 Worcester - Callow End - Hanley Swan - Upton.
  • 382 Worcester - Norton - Littleworth - Defford - Eckington - Pershore.
  • 550/551 Worcester - Pershore – Evesham.

Station Commander Alan Haley from Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service today advised people to be prepared for disruption.

“It’s a good idea to have a list of useful phone numbers ready in case of flooding and to keep it somewhere safe,” he said. “If your home does begin to flood, turn off your electricity supply, and do not touch any sources of electricity such as switches or appliances when you are standing in flood water. Do help any elderly family members or neighbours to prepare as well.”

He added drivers should also be careful, saying: “Driving through flood water can be extremely dangerous because it is impossible to see how deep the water is or whether there are hazards under the water which could damage your car and leave you stranded.

“Please do not take risks – you could be putting your car, yourself and others in danger by doing so.”

He said the service regularly gets called to rescue motorists stranded in flood water at ford crossings and warned anyone whose normal journey includes a ford to plan ahead and choose an alternative route if possible.

“Stay alert to local weather and news reports and do take notice of any flood warnings and road closures you come across,” he said.

The Environment Agency has issued flood warnings have been issued for the River Severn at Hanley Road and Rectory Road, Upton as well as Uckinghall, Hanley Castle, Saxons Lodge, Court Meadow, Kempsy and Callow End. Warnings have also been issued for the River Avon at Wyre Piddle, Strensham and Bredon.

The organisation has also issued flood alerts for the River Severn at Diglis, Saxons Lodge, Kempsey and Bewdley as well as Barbourne Brooke and Bow and Piddle Brook.

For the latest flood warnings across Worcestershire click here.

Information is also available from the Environment Agency’s floodline on 0845 988 1188.