STORMS and floods are set to hit as more wet and windy weather is expected to wreak havoc across Worcestershire this weekend.

An area of low pressure is expected to bring more rain and very strong winds tomorrow, causing flooding on the rivers Severn, Avon and Teme. The rain, falling on already saturated ground, swept in from the Atlantic tonight and will continue into tomorrow, accompanied by severe gales.

The Met Office has issued several Severe Weather Warnings for the next few days due to the possibility of flooding and damaging winds.

The Environment Agency has issued 30 flood warnings across the region which cover large sections of the county including the river Severn in the north and south of the Worcester, at Kempsey, Callow End, Bransford, Severn Stoke at Waterside and Hanley Road in Upton.

The river at Pitchcroft, Worcester was 4.7 metres at noon today with a peak of between 5 metres and 5.4 metres expected on Sunday with levels remaining high because more rainfall is forecast.

At Upton the gauge was 5.06 metres at noon today with a peak of between 5.2 metres and 5.4 metres expected on Monday. Minor roads at Bransford Bridge, the A4103 at Bransford Bridge and the A449 at Powick could flood, the EA has warned.

Meanwhile, Worcestershire County Council prepared for the deluge by clearing drains and gullies and working with the Environment Agency co-ordinating road closures.

A Worcestershire County Council spokesman urged motorists to take care and keep updated on flood alerts and weather warnings, to use caution when out and about and to check on any vulnerable neighbours they think may need help. Risks are also expected from surface water flooding and the county council warned people not to drive into flood water.

West Midlands Ambulance Service will have additional vehicles on duty this weekend because of the conditions.

WMAS assistant chief ambulance officer, Craig Cooke, said: “Not heeding the many safety warnings puts lives at risk, including ambulance staff and other emergency service personnel called to provide a service in these most challenging of conditions.”