Flood barriers go up as river levels rise

28 December 2023

Alex McIntyreBBC News, West Midlands

News image — Flood barriers have been put up in Bewdley

Environment Agency Bewdley flood barriers — Flood barriers have been put up in Bewdley

Flood warnings have been issued as river levels continued to rise in the wake of Storm Gerrit.

Two warnings were in place on Thursday evening for the River Wye in north and south Hereford.

Earlier, the Environment Agency (EA) said flooding of property, roads and farmland was expected.

Flood barriers were up in Bewdley, Worcestershire, and the EA said it was taking extra measures to protect properties.

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Chris Bainger, from the agency, has said levels in Bewdley were "steady" but expected to rise following the heavy rain.

Additional slats were being added to the barriers, he said, and people were advised to check online for the latest updates.

The River Wye in Hereford — The level of the River Wye in Hereford was expected to remain high

People were urged to avoid low-lying roads near the river and to set up any flood protection they have at home.

Herefordshire Council confirmed the A438 has been closed in Letton.

The authority warned there was a lot of standing water and urged drivers to take care.

The EA said Greyfriars Avenue in Hereford and the B4399 around Holme Lacy could also be affected.

River levels are expected to remain high until Saturday, with more heavy rain forecast over the coming days.

Hereford flood warden Colin Taylor said there was flooding in the rowing club and rugby club.

The River Wye is expected to peak on Friday at 4.8m (15.7ft) which Mr Taylor said would be a "safe level" for houses in Greyfriars Avenue.

"There is an atmosphere of pending, but it is just great to know what the flood level is... just over the river banks, nowhere near the houses," he said.

Donna Bird High river levels in Worcester — River levels were also high on the Severn in Worcester

In Worcestershire, there are flood warnings in place for the River Severn at Court Meadow, Kempsey and Callow End as well as at Severn Ham, Tewkesbury.

The rivers Severn and Avon, in Worcestershire, both have flood alerts, which means flooding is possible.