FLOOD warnings for Worcestershire have been delivered in stronger terms with the impact of Storm Christoph now expected to be felt farther south. 

The risk of rain causing floods was highlighted by the Met Office earlier today (Monday, January 18) with a worse outlook for towns and cities north of Birmingham. 

However, cut-off point has been moved south to cover areas under Worcestershire on the map, edging into areas of north Gloucestershire. 

The Met Office now expects the county to suffer "spells of prolonged and heavy rain may lead to flooding and disruption to travel in places".

The public is warned that homes and businesses could be flooded, causing damage to some buildings and fast-flowing or deep floodwater is possible, causing a danger to life.

Delays or cancellations to train and bus services are possible and spray and flooding could lead to difficult driving conditions and some road closures.

Some communities may be cut off by flooded roads with possible power cuts and loss of other services to some homes and businesses.

The warning remains in place from midnight until noon on Thursday, January 21 and will prompt concern over yet more flooding in the area.

“Rain is falling on very wet ground and so we are very concerned that it’s a very volatile situation and we are expecting significant flooding to occur on the back of that weather,” warned Catherine Wright, acting executive director for flood and coastal risk management at the Environment Agency.

“We know the rain is coming, we know broadly the areas that we’re worried about but it’s too early to say exactly where the rain will fall and how much flooding it will cause.”

She said the Environment Agency would be working with local authorities to help with evacuation efforts should a severe flood warning be issued.

“If you do need to evacuate then that is allowed within the Covid rules the Government has,” she added.

“The local authorities and emergency services will operate any evacuations locally, they will provide instructions to anybody who’s unfortunately in that position and it’s important to follow and do exactly what they say.”

More than 100mm of rain is expected across the higher ground with potentially 150-200mm in the most exposed areas, according to the Met Office.

Highways England has advised drivers to take extra care on motorways and major A roads and to prepare before setting out on essential journeys.

Jeremy Phillips, head of road user safety, said: “Most of us already slow down in snow, ice or fog but when it rains we consider it normal so don’t adapt our driving.

“Rain makes it harder for tyres to grip the road and harder for drivers to see ahead – significantly increasing the chances of being involved in a collision.”