RESIDENTS have been told to leave their homes in Upton has a severe weather warning has been issued.

The warning, issued by the Environment Agency, means there could be a risk to life.

Witnesses in the town are saying they have been ordered to leave their homes with flood barriers possibly being breached.

Malvern Hills District Council confirmed via social media that rest centres are being set up and staff are helping to warn and inform residents.

A rest centre has been set up at the Upton Hill Community Centre, in Milestone Road, Upton and residents can be accommodated there as needed.

Chief Superintendent Tom Harding from West Mercia Police and on behalf of the multi-agency flood response, said: “There is a high probability that water levels will continue to rise over the next few hours. We are expecting them to peak in Uckinghall from 9pm and in Upton later on this evening and during the early hours of tomorrow morning (Tuesday 18 February)

“Our absolute priority is keeping people safe and as such we are asking the community in the affected areas to make alternative arrangements to stay with family and friends or to head to the rescue centre where provisions are in place. We do understand how upsetting having to leave your home can be and hope that residents understand that this is not a decision that has been taken lightly. We are doing everything we can to keep people safe and are not taking any unnecessary risks.

“This is an unprecedented, fast-moving, emergency situation and we will continue to work with our partner agencies to keep you safe and regularly updated.

“We ask that people make their arrangements and move to safety as soon as possible and before the flood waters rise.

“We will keep people regularly updated and we are working with our partners to resolve the issue as quickly as we can but our priority at the moment is to keep people safe. We would like to thank everyone for their co-operation and understanding.”

As a result of Storm Dennis, river levels are forecast to rise at the Saxons Lode river gauge to a level which could overtop the defences. Consequently, flooding of property, roads and farmland could begin as early as 3am on Tuesday, February 18.

The agency is warning residents to move possessions and valuables off the ground and have a bag ready with vital items like medicines and insurance documents.

The warning has been put in place for Upton, Uckinghall and Ripple.

For more information about the flood warning, head to https://flood-warning-information.service.gov.uk/target-area/031FWFSE505