UPTON residents are being warned to 'prepare for the worst' as heavy rain looks set to worsen flooding in the town.

The weekend downpour has already caused the River Severn to overflow and more rain is on its way.

An Environment Agency flood warning is currently in place for the River Severn from Worcester to Tewkesbury.

Dave Walker, of Upton's Severn Area Rescue Association (SARA), said buildings and homes in at-risk areas should prepare for flooding.

"We just got away with it at the weekend, but looking at the weather forecast, I don't think we're going to get away with it much longer," he said,

"People with at risk properties should take the normal precautionary measures.

"If the heavy rain continues, they'll want to get everything ready and in place, just in case."

Malvern weather recorder Frank Hill said he also had concerns about further flooding.

"I'm certainly not optimistic about it. We've had two fairly dry days but the combination of further rain and possible low pressure will certainly delay the water from subsiding," he said.

The Old Bridge Abutment up to The Swan, New Street, Hook Bank and part of the Hanley Road car park are a few of the areas which have already been flooded.

Sian Murch, co-licensee of The Swan, on Waterside, said that on Sunday the water was about two inches below the level of the bar door.

"The boats are on the same level as us at the moment," she said.

The Swan is currently undergoing refurbishment and Ms Murch said she would be lining entrances with sandbags.

Up to the minute information on flood warnings and advice on how to deal with flooding is available on the Environment Agency's Floodline on 0845 9881188.