A FLOOD alert is active in Worcester, Kempsey and Holt Fleet on the back of rising levels in the River Severn.

The Flood Warning Information Service anticipates the Severn will peak at some point tomorrow (Tuesday) with predicted levels of 3.7m to 3.8m at Worcester, Diglis 3.1m to 3.3m at Diglis, 5.5m to 5.6m at Kempsey Yacht Club and 4.0m to 4.2m at Saxons Lode.

That has led to a flood alert beigng issued, warning flooding is "possible" and that the public should "be prepared".

A FWIS statement read: “Flooding is affecting low lying land and roads adjacent to the river from Highley to Tewkesbury.

“Locations that may be affected include Stourport, Holt Fleet, Worcester, Kempsey, Severn Stoke, Upton, South Quay, Diglis Parade and the Hylton Road towpath.

“Flooding from drains may also be affecting the racecourse and the Worcester County cricket ground.

“We are closely monitoring the situation. Our incident response staff are checking defences.

“Please avoid using low lying footpaths near local watercourses and plan driving routes to avoid low lying roads near rivers, which may be flooded.”

It comes after flood gates in Upton were closed on the back of rising river levels.

The flood gate at New Street and low-level gates on Waterside, Upton, were shut over the weekend.

Dave Throup, Environment Agency manager for Herefordshire and Worcestershire, said the Wye in Hereford was peaking this morning.

He added: "Still a lot of water to come from Wales so expect levels to remain very high for a while."

More than 60mm quite has fallen widely over high ground of Wales and is now working its way through the river network.