SIX floods alerts are still in force across Herefordshire and nearby areas as the county feels the impact of heavy rain and snow.

The Environment Agency has said flooding is possibly in a number of areas in and around Herefordshire, telling people to be prepared.

While the level of the river Wye through Herefordshire is falling, the agency is still warning there is a risk of flooding.

The Environment Agency said: "River Levels at the Hay-on-Wye, Bredwardine, Belmont, Old Wye Bridge, Mordiford and Ross-on-Wye river gauges are now falling. However, the risk of flooding remains.

"We expect flooding to affect low lying land and roads along the River Wye from Hay-on-Wye to Ross-on-Wye. Other locations that may be affected include the A438, Byford, Bredwardine and Hereford."

Recorded peaks for the river Wye have been:

  • Mordiford 4.70m at 5am on Monday
  • Ross-on-Wye 4.08m at 4.15pm on Monday

The spokesperson added: "Further wintery showers are possible throughout this week. We expect river levels to remain high until tomorrow (Wednesday).

"We are closely monitoring the situation. Our incident response staff are checking defences. Please avoid using low lying footpaths near local watercourses and plan driving routes to avoid low lying roads near rivers, which may be flooded."

The Environment Agency warned of a similar situation with the river Leadon catchment.

"River levels remain high at the Wedderburn Bridge river gauge after a period of heavy rainfall," it said.

"Consequently, flooding of roads and farmland is expected to continue. Flooding may affect low lying land and roads adjacent to the River Leadon. Locations that may be affected include Ledbury, Much Marcle, Staunton and Tibberton.

"Water may be out of bank and over the road at Upleadon Court. No significant rainfall is expected over the next few days, but there is a risk of some wintry showers. We expect river levels to remain high until Thursday."

Of the flood alert for the river Lugg south of Leominster, the agency said: "River levels remain high but steady at the Lugwardine river gauge following recent heavy rainfall.

"River levels are falling slowly at the Ford Bridge river gauge. Consequently, flooding of roads and farmland is expected to continue. We expect flooding to affect low lying land and roads adjacent to the River Lugg south of Leominster from Stoke Prior to Mordiford.

"Other locations that may be affected include Bodenham, Lugwardine and Hampton Bishop. We expect river levels to remain high into next week."

Other flood alerts near the county include for the river Severn in Worcestershire, river Wye in Gloucestershire, and Upper Teme near Ludlow.