A FLOOD alert placed on the River Severn in Worcester has now been extended with the water levels continuing to rise.

The Severn is now expected to peak in Worcester this evening (Thursday) - though forecasters warn more rainfall is expected.

The river's levels are expected to peak between 3.5m and 3.9m.

An alert that flooding is possible which warns people to be prepared is in place.

River levels are also rising at the Bewdley river gauge as a result of heavy rainfall.

Flooding of roads and farmland is possible today and Friday (November 17).

The government website said: "We expect flooding to affect low lying land and roads adjacent the river from Highley to Tewkesbury."

Stourport, Holt Fleet, Worcester, Kempsey, Severn Stoke and Upton upon Severn are affected by the flood alert.

People are being told to install property level protection if required.

The predicted peaks in Worcestershire are Bewdley between 3m to 3.5m this evening, Diglis 2.8m to 3.2m on Friday morning, Kempsey Yacht Club 4.9m to 5.4m on Friday morning, Saxons Lode 3.7m to 4.2m on Friday afternoon.

"We are closely monitoring the situation," it added.

"Please avoid using low lying footpaths near local watercourses and avoid contact with flood water."

A further update is expected at 9am on Friday, or as the situation changes.