THERE will be a tense wait to see if more torrential rain forecast in Wales over the next few days will impact on the river Severn's already rising levels.

The Severn through Worcestershire was put on flood alert this morning (Wednesday) with Bewdley Bridge set to close between 6.30pm and 11pm tonight as the flood barriers are being put up in the town.

The Severn's flood levels in Worcester are expected to peak on Friday morning between 3.7 and 4.2 metres but Dave Throup, Environment Agency manager in Herefordshire and Worcestershire, warned that downpours in Wales could see them rising further.

"There will be nothing too significant in Worcester at the moment.

"The level will probably come up a metre or so, so we will probably see some footpaths disappear under water near The Cathedral or in South Quay so those low lying areas will be affected.

"However, we are expecting a lot more rain forecast in Wales which we expect will have an effect in Worcester.

"We are asking people to stay vigilant over the next few days especially those people who live near to the river.

"They can check the flood risk by phoning the Flood Line or checking the flood warnings online.

"It's a question of keeping an eye on things.

"One of the main messages we want to get through to people is not to drive through flood water.

"We have already had quite a few incidents of people being rescued from vehicles in flood water."

Flood schemes are in force in Severnside, Bewdley and Beales Corner, Bewdley.

Bewdley Gauge was 2.76 metres and rising at 9am today with a peak level of between 3.4 and 3.9 metres expected to occur on Thursday night.

Diglis Gauge was 2.28 metres and steady. A peak level of between 3.4 and 3.9 metres is expected to be reached on Friday morning.

Kempsey Yacht Gauge was 4.55 metres and rising this morning (Wednesday).

* Bewdley Bridge to close tonight