The agency says vulnerable areas should be prepared

The Environment Agency said it expected flood alerts on vulnerable stretches of the Severn in mid Wales in the next few days.

Flood watches - which means flooding is expected for low-lying land and roads were issued for the Severn and Vyrnwy.

The agency said it would be monitoring water levels closely.

Richard Cross, the agency's regional flood forecasting team leader said it was too early to predict the scale of any flooding, as it would depend on the weather, but it was a "developing situation".

"We urge people to be vigilant, make sure they are aware of the flood warnings we are issuing and be prepared," he said.

"Flooding is a natural event which cannot be prevented completely.

"Even where there are flood defences, it is vital for people to take action on flood warnings and prepare for flooding as though they were not in place.

"They should take the normal precautions and, where necessary, move furniture, cars and belongings above the potential flood level."

Information is available by calling the agency on 0845 988 1188, by listening to local radio, or on the agency's website www.environment-agency.gov.uk, which updates flood warnings every 15 minutes.

The agency has previously warned that three in four people in Wales whose properties are at risk of flooding have failed to take preventative action.