Some roads in the county are already under water

The agency believes flooding could occur on the river Severn and its tributaries, with Gloucester and Tewkesbury likely to be affected.

Rivers are already full or spilling on to the flood plains.

Flood forecasting team leader, Richard Cross, said: "The weather forecast for the next few days is not looking good."

'Damage and distress'

He said the Environment Agency was monitoring the situation around-the-clock from its office in Tewkesbury.

"We are expecting more very heavy rainfall and urge vigilance.

"But flooding cannot be completely prevented and people can help to reduce the damage and distress if they prepare. They need to act now," he said.

On Friday evening, David Throup from the Environment Agency said the situation in Gloucestershire was fairly stable.

"Most of the water is holding around the flood plain. The plains are full but we are not expecting any significant rises in the near future.

"People shouldn't be concerned - just vigilant.

"However if we do get more rainfall this could change."

BBC meteorologist, Richard Angwin, said more rain was expected in Gloucestershire from Friday until Saturday night.

Roads closed

"The main concern is the River Severn. At 1830 GMT on Friday the latest Met Office forecast confirms the potential for 100mm of rain to fall over Wales over the next 48 hours.

"If a fair percentage of that finds its way into the Severn's watercourses severe flooding is highly likely."

Flood warnings are still in place for the lower Avon and the Severn down from Worcester.

As a result of rain, four roads were closed on Friday morning: Toadsmoor Road at Brimscombe, the B4213 between Tirley and Apperley at Haw Bridge, the South Cerney Road at Siddington, near Cirencester and the A417 at Maisemore.

Ch Insp Paul Riddick of Gloucestershire Police said: "Take precautions, listen to the weather forecast, the flood alerts broadcast on radio and television.

"We don't predict anything major is going to happen but people should just be sensible."