Authorities urge Shropshire and Wales residents to 'be prepared' this New Year's Eve as bad weather approaches

Other public bodies have also put residents on alert as the first of a series of weather warnings is about to kick in across the region.

Ian Jones, area director for the Environment Agency working across the West Midlands, has posted online to warn that a band of persistent, sometimes squally rain is heading towards the region.

He said: “Not the best way to see the year out.

“A band of persistent and sometimes squally rain will cross the country over the next 24 hours.

“Will make for very unpleasant conditions with much surface water and an overall increased flood risk.”

Wales is expected to bear the brunt of the heavy rain. Natural Resources Wales said: “We are asking people to be prepared as this could lead to flooding and disruption across Wales.”

Residents have been asked to check the conditions before travelling on the roads or on public transport, and their own risk of flooding.

The Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service said warnings for wind and rain are in place around the county and beyond over the next couple of days.

“If you have to travel for work or new year celebrations, please check your route before you leave as there may be disruption to roads and rail networks.”

During the recent Storm Darragh the emergency services were stretched to cope as trees were brought down across the county.

Residents lost power in some cases for days on end.

The fire service is asking for any flooding on the roads and fallen trees blocking roads to be reported to councils.

The Met Office said that beginning on New Year's Eve, persistent and at times heavy rainfall is expected as a band of rain becomes slow-moving, accompanied by strong south-westerly winds which will gust 50-60mph in places. This rain should then clear slowly southwards later on Wednesday morning.

Some 30-50mm of rain is expected fairly widely, with 50-100mm across west-facing hills.

There is a chance a few locations could see in excess of 100mm during the event, with north Wales the most likely region to see these larger totals.

The Met Office said that strong southwesterly winds are expected overnight and during Wednesday.

Inland, the highest gusts will typically be between 45 and 55mph, but possibly 60mph in places, particularly in association with the passage of squally cold front which will bring a band of heavy rain southwards.

The wind is expected to ease quickly from the north through the course of the day as this cold front passes.