NINE flood alerts have been issued for several areas across Worcestershire with warnings of potential flooding of roads and low lying land.

Hylton Road in Worcester will be closed tonight for the installation of flood pumps as river levels rise.

The road,which is adjacent to the River Severn, will close from 6:30pm for approximately three hours according to the Worcestershire County Council.

Areas along the River Severn near Worcester, by the River Teme near Tenbury Wells and at the River Rea at Newnham Bridge are all at risk of flooding after heavy rainfall with more forecast, the Environment Agency has said on Thursday (December 17).

In warnings issued on its website it says: “River levels are rising slowly at Diglis, Kempsey Yacht Club and Saxons Lode river gauges on the River Severn due to heavy rainfall.

"We expect flooding to affect low lying land & roads next to the river from Highley to Tewkesbury. Stourport, Holt Fleet, Worcester, Kempsey, Severn Stoke, Upton upon Severn, South Quay, Diglis Parade & Hylton Road towpath may be affected.

“Flooded drains may affect Worcester Racecourse & county cricket ground. New street Gate, Upton upon Severn is closed. New Street Upton may be affected by flooding.”

Peaks of 3m at Diglis and 5.5m at Kempsey Yacht Club are expected on the River Severn on Thursday evening and 3.8m on Saxons Lode on Thursday afternoon.

As water levels rise Eckington Bridge has shut over the River Avon near Pershore with more rain forecast

While flooding was also expected today by the River Teme which could affect Tenbury Wells and Knightwick. The Ennvironment Agency said: “Further heavy rainfall is forecast over the next 48 hours, which could cause river levels to rise again. We expect river levels to remain high until Saturday.”

While the risk of flooding remains at Newnham Bridge on land and roads by Ledyche Brook and River Rea.

With more rain forecast over the weekend the Environment agency said it was ‘closely monitoring’ the situation, with its staff checking flood defences.

The agency said: “Please avoid using low lying footpaths near local watercourses and plan driving routes to avoid low lying roads near rivers, which may be flooded.”

Worcestershire County Council’s highways and travel team Tweeted: “There are now multiple flood alerts across the Worcestershire area: Kempsey Village, Ledwyche Brook & River Rea, Lower Teme and River Severn, Worcestershire.

“Please take extra care around these areas.”

And the Environment Agency in the Midlands added: “Heavy rain is forecasted from tomorrow (Friday) morning in the West Midlands and South West.

“Don’t try and drive through flood water.”