THERE are fears major flooding could return to Worcester and the wider county today, as the River Severn is already high and heavy rain is expected.

Dave Throup, environment agency manager for Worcestershire, has tweeted a picture of the racecourse ground completely flooded this morning.

And Worcester City Council has tweeted that motorists need to move their cars from Pitchcroft Car Park now.

The tweet said: "Pitchcroft car park is closed because of flood water.

"If you've left your car there, please move it as soon as you can. Alternative car parks are available across the city centre."

A yellow weather warning is in place today, with heavy rain forecast for the city this afternoon.

Mr Throup tweeted the picture of Pitchcroft flooded this morning.

He wrote: "Absolutely filthy morning in Worcester as rain sets in.

"Severn is already very high and today’s rain may we’ll push levels up further."

The River Severn at Diglis is currently at 4.28m (the level where flooding becomes possible is 2.80m), at Kempsey it is currently at 6.59m (low lying land can flood at 5m whole property can flood there at 6m) while at Barbourne the level is at 4.68m (flooding can happen at 3.35m).

The yellow weather warning for rain, which has been issued by the Met Office and is now in place for 24 hours until 6am Christmas Eve, says: "Heavy rainfall may lead to flooding in places and disruption to travel.

"There is a small chance that homes and businesses could be flooded, causing damage to some buildings.

"There is a small chance of fast flowing or deep floodwater causing hazardous conditions.

"Where flooding occurs, there is a slight chance of delays or cancellations to train and bus services.

"Spray and flooding could lead to difficult driving conditions and some road closures.

"There is a small chance that some communities become cut off by flooded roads."

We reported yesterday that Sabrina Bridge, that has undergone repair work, had been due to re-open early this week, having been delayed from last week - but heavy rainfall has meant conditions are not suitable to open the bridge until early-January.

The forecast for Worcester is for rain all day today, turning heavy after 2pm.

But there is good news as Christmas Eve and Christmas Day are both forecast to be dry with sunny intervals and light winds.