Flood warnings for Severn and Wye

River levels in Ironbridge have now peaked

Flood warnings have been placed on the River Wye in Herefordshire, adding to those already in place for the Severn.

Since Thursday flood warnings have been placed on the Severn from Shrewsbury through Worcestershire and into Tewkesbury in Gloucestershire.

The Environment Agency is now warning that the Wye is in danger of flooding from Hay-on-Wye in Powys through Herefordshire to Ross-on-Wye.

Levels have yet to reach last week's peak, but are rising quickly.

Recent heavy rain has seen the River Severn reach a peak in Bridgnorth, Shropshire, of about 14.7ft (4.5m).

In Bewdley, Worcestershire, only one side of the town has been protected by a new flood defence scheme because some temporary barriers were not ready.

Bridge closed

The main bridge in the town was closed after it flooded as the river reached 15ft (4.6m) above its normal level.

The river was expected to reach up to 14ft (4.3m) higher than its normal level in Worcester on Monday where barriers have been put up. Barriers are also up at Upton upon Severn.

There are seven flood warnings along the River Severn, which means there is a risk to homes and businesses.

While levels are dropping in Shropshire, the Environment Agency warned they were likely to rise again later in the week following heavy rainfall in north Wales overnight.

Flood defences costing £4.5m have also been erected after several incidents of flooding from the Ridings Brook in Cannock, Staffordshire, over the last 12 years.

There is not a current risk of flooding in the area.