Fears as river levels rise

Heavy rain today sparked further flood warnings in Worcestershire, leaving people in Bewdley anxiously watching water levels as they continue to rise.

The Met Office posted early warnings of severe weather, forecasting heavy rain in northern Britain throughout today.

Flood watches also remain on several rivers in Staffordshire.

During the weekend, up to three-quarters of an inch of rain fell in Worcestershire but 4in poured down in North Wales in the Severn catchment area.

Today the Environment Agency had 46 flood warnings and 147 flood watches in place all over the country. In Worcestershire there were two flood warnings along stretches of the River Severn around Bewdley, Stourport and Worcester, and people were bracing themselves waiting for the rainfall in Wales to raise water levels.

Everyone living in areas affected by bad weather is asked to call the Environment Agency floodline on 08459 881 188.

John Warner, the Express & Star's weatherman, said the Midlands had enjoyed the mildest January night on record. The warm weather has been caused by a front drawing up warm air from the mid-Atlantic, but bringing wet weather.

Meanwhile, a woman was rescued from her car at 9am today after her vehicle was swept downstream by flood water as she attempted to drive across a swollen ford at Bind Lane, Billingsley, near Bridgnorth.