THE strong winds may be set to ease but Worcestershire is bracing itself for more rain as the wet weather looks destined to continue.

A yellow warning for wind from the Met Office was due to be removed at 10pm last night, with the winds predicted to gradually ease a little overnight as the showers made way for much drier and clearer weather during the early hours.

However, rain is expected to spread from the south during the afternoon and evening after a drier and brighter morning.

The Environment Agency is has a flood warning in place for the Diglis area of Worcester, meaning flooding is expected and immediate action is required.

At 11am yesterday, the level at the Diglis gauge was 3.89 metres and falling slowly and a peak level of between 4.1 and 4.6 metres is expected to occur on Sunday, February 9.

Hood Street, Quay Street, Pitchcroft Lane, Waterworks Road, Newport Street, Croft Road and Diglis Dock Road could all be affected by flooding as river levels are expected to remain elevated over the next few days due to further rainfall forecast.

Flood alerts from the agency, meaning flooding is possible, remain in place for the river Severn and river Avon across the whole of Worcestershire, as well as for the river Teme at Bransford, near Worcester.

In other areas there was a slight let up in conditions, with the B4211 Hanley Road, which gives direct access into Upton upon Severn, being re-opened after the water level fell.

A spokesman for Worcestershire County Council confirmed the flood barriers were removed at 1.20pm yesterday.

Professional pest control registry, Basis Prompt, has warned homeowners could be faced with a deluge of rats amid the threat of further flooding.

The registry's managing director, Rob Simpson, says rats will try to escape rising water levels.

“Infestations of rats often increase during very wet weather as flooding will flush them out and force them to find new homes.

“They will try to find some sort of dwelling to live in – it can be garages or sheds or even lofts to get away from the water and the knock-on effect is more infestations in homes."