FLOOD warnings have been issued in Worcester after river levels rose yesterday afternoon.

Dave Throup, of the Environment Agency, has confirmed a flood warning has been imposed on the River Severn, at East Waterside, Upton.

He has also confirmed that the river is continuing to rise.

Mr Throup said: "FLOOD WARNING - Severn at East Waterside Upton. River still rising slowly. Peaking tomorrow."

The Environment Agency said flooding was expected at Pitchcroft and South Worcester, Worcester.

Hanley Road, the B4211 between Quay Lane, Hanley Castle, and A4104 Church Street, Upton upon Severn, remains closed this morning (Monday).

Weather forecasts predict that rain will continue to fall throughout this afternoon.

The warning for Pitchcroft was issued at 4.30pm after the level of the River Severn at the Worcester Gauge reached 4.50 metres and rising.

A peak level of between 4.5 and 4.7 metres is expected to occur tomorrow morning.

A warning was issued at lunchtime for south Worcester.

At 4pm, the level at the Diglis Gauge was 4.11 metres and rising. A peak level of between 4.2 and 4.3 metres is expected to occur in the early hours of Monday morning.

The Environment Agency warned Hood Street and Quay Street, Worcester may be affected by floodwater.

Hanley Road, the B4211 between Quay Lane, Hanley Castle, and A4104 Church Street, Upton upon Severn, closed this yesterday floodwater began to creep across it and a flood warning was issued.

Also closed due to flooding was Earls Common Road and Dunn's Lane and New Street, in Upton-upon-Severn.

A similar flood warning was issued for Kempsey and Callow End yesterday. River levels should peak by tomorrow afternoon, according to the Environment Agency.

At 3.30 pm yesterday the level at the Kempsey Yacht Club Gauge was 6.39 metres and rising slowly.

A peak level of between 6.4 and 6.6 metres is expected to occur this afternoon.

At the same time, the level at the Saxons Lode Gauge, near Upton-upon-Severn, was 4.66 metres and rising slowly. A peak level of between 4.7 and 4.9 metres is expected to occur Tuesday morning.

A spokeswoman for the Environment Agency said: "River levels are expected to continue rising in south Worcester and expected to peak in the early hours of this morning and slightly later downstream at Upton.

"There are a number of gates already closed in the flood defences at Upton.

"We have surface pumps up and ready if needed at Powick."

Flood defences also are in place in Hylton Road, Worcester and New Street and Waterside, Upton.

Although it is forecast to be a drier night tonight, more heavy showers are expected over the coming days.