FIREFIGHTERS are on high alert as torrential rain and storms sweep across the two counties.

Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service has been busy this morning rescuing vehicles from flooded roads and going to the aid of crews in north Gloucestershire.

Alec Mackie, spokesman for the service, said they had been inundated with calls.

"There have already been upward of 50 calls from north Gloucestershire, which has been badly affected by storms," he said.

"We've been in the centre of Hereford where the flat roof of a shop collapsed under the weight of the rain and we spent about half an hour trying to find a man whose car was trapped in flood water on the north Herefordshire/Worcestershire border."

The man had called the fire service after getting stuck in rising water on his way to work.

"He had no clue where he was and we were talking to him on his mobile," said Mr Mackie.

"We thought we'd tracked him down to Great Witley but then got a call back and it turned out he was on the outskirts of a village near Bromyard."

Astley, near Stourport, has again been submerged by flood water.

This morning, fire crews were called to Priors Mill - where, last week, a man became marooned on a patio table - because the electrics were being affected.

The near-by Dick Brook has burst its banks and water is still rapidly rising.

A number of roads in Herefordshire have been classed as impassable due to the weather.

Mr Mackie, issuing advice to any drivers who come across flooded roads, said it was not worth taking the risk.

"The best advice we can give is to not try to go through flood water," he said.

"You never know whether you are going to get stuck, how deep the water is, whether is rising or falling.

"It's the same with fords. It's amazing how many people go through them without thinking. And time after time drivers get stuck."

The MET office says heavy and persistent rain will continue to fall over the West Midlands today. Additional rainfall of 20 to 30mm, in some cases up to 50mm, is expected and the public are advised to take extra care. The Environment Agency has issued a Flood Watch for Barbourne Brook in Worcester.

For updates call the EA Floodline on 0845 9881188 or visit www.environment-agency.gov.uk.

If you are being affected by the bad weather get in touch by calling 01905 742244, emailing wenedit@worcesternews.co.uk or leaving your comments below.