THERE are fears more flooding could be on the way as heavy rain looks set to hit Worcestershire again later this week.

The Environment Agency warned flood barriers at Worcester and Upton-upon-Severn will remain up as water levels continue to rise.

Agency spokeswoman Lyn Fraley said Worcester's Diglis gauge showed levels were at 3.65m (11.9ft) yesterday with a peak of between 4.2-4.6m (13.8-15ft) expected this afternoon.

At Upton, the level was at 4.52m (14.8ft) yesterday and levels were also expected to peak this afternoon at around 4.8-5.2m (15.7-17ft).

Mrs Fraley said in both cases staff believed the water would not breach the defences.

Flood warnings have been issued along the river Severn between Bevere and Powick and between Worcester and Tewkesbury advising people living close to rivers that their properties could be at risk.

However, Mrs Fraley said the agency did not expect to issue any severe flood warnings - which are given when there is an immediate danger to life and property.

Worcester News weatherman Paul Damari said today would be mainly dry with some scattered showers.

However, he said: "The next band of rain will give another half an inch (12.7mm) on Thursday and a quarter to a half an inch (6.35-12.7mm) on Friday as another band of rain comes in from the south west."

Mr Damari said he was not expecting a change to weather patterns until early next week.

He added that his records showed there had been 67.5mm (2.65ins) so far this January even though the average for entire month was only 72mm (2.83ins).

He also said 33.4mm (1.3ins) of that rainfall fell on Friday, January 11 and another 12.2mm (0.5ins) fell through the night on Monday, January 14.

He said: "It's a lot of rain again falling in a short space of time onto saturated ground and already flooding rivers."

West Mercia Constabulary also told drivers to take care and warned stopping distances doubled in wet weather and warned them to keep well back from the vehicle in front.

Drivers were told if steering becomes unresponsive they should ease off the accelerator and those travelling in strong winds should reduce their speed.

Sergeant John Roberts, the force's casualty reduction manager, said drivers should not attempt to continue along flooded roads or ignore road closure signs.

Police also warned commuters to leave work early last night after heavy rain was forecast for peak rush hour.