RESIDENTS in parts of Worcestershire are being reminded to stay safe as the rain brought in by Storm Christoph is causing flooding issues across the county.

Due to continued heavy rainfall, river levels are expected to peak over the next 48 hours.

Simon Geraghty, leader of Worcestershire County Council, said: “We have seen some heavy rainfall in parts of the county over the last 24-48 hours as well as considerable rainfall in parts of Wales, which will have an impact on river levels over the coming days.

“With the expected rise in river levels, this could have an impact on some homes and businesses.

“The start to the year has already been a difficult one for many with the national COVID restrictions tightening and we know that some areas of the county will be seeing flooding for the second time in two months.

“Please be assured that our teams are ready and we’re working closely with partners to ensure we have things in place to reduce the impact of flooding on residents and local businesses.”

Flood defences are place at Beales Corner, Bewdley, Hylton Road in Worcester and New Street, Upton, in anticipation of the rising river levels.

STORM CHRISTOPH: Multiple flood warnings in Worcestershire

Wyre Forest District Council has sandbags available for residents to collect from Gardners Meadow car park in Bewdley, Vale Road car park in Stourport and the Depot in Green Street, Kidderminster.

Malvern Hills District Council has sandbags available for residents to collect from Pendragon Depot, the Car Park of Tenbury Community Swimming Pool, the Hill Community Centre Upton, There is also an additional drop point at Ripple Village Hall, Lower Ferry Lane Callow End, and - Rose and Crown Pub Car Park, in Severn Stoke.

Wychavon District Council has sandbags available for residents to collect from Chapel Street car park in Evesham, Droitwich Spa Lido Park, Pershore Civic Centre, and the Waterside/Port Street.

Sandbags will be available for Worcester residents to collect at the following locations:

- Pitchcroft, Waterworks Road, St Johns

- The Range/Nr Tybridge Street,

- Perdiswell Car Park

- Silver Street Car Park

There is also likely to be a lot of surface water on many roads due to heavy rain yesterday so people are being reminded to drive safely if they are going out on the roads on their essential journeys.

The County Council is also continuing to monitor the roads, and is sending out its gritters from 6:30pm tonight. Lowering temperatures could cause very icy conditions in some areas so drivers are reminded to take extra care when travelling.

Anyone who spots significant disruption due to flooding is encouraged to report it by contacting @WorcsTravel on Twitter or by calling 01905 765765.

Please remember to only call 999 if there is a risk of harm or threat to life.