Fears over flooding in Herefordshire and Worcestershire as Storm Ciaran hits UK
A yellow weather warning of rain has been issued across the area by the Met Office
The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning of rain across Herefordshire and Worcestershire as Storm Ciaran arrives in the UK today.
The yellow warning is in place until Thursday evening.
However, there are concerns over flooding following last week's disruptions caused by Storm Babet.
Herefordshire and Worcestershire Fire and Rescue say they are preparing for any issues caused by Storm Ciaran.
Thom Morgan, the services group commander, said: "We're closely monitoring the progress and trajectory of the storm.
"Currently, it's looking like it's probably not going to be as bad.
"However, as we saw last week, these situations do tend to change quite dynamically, So as a priority service, we are preparing.
"We've got a full complement of water first responders, we've got three boats ready to go as well, so we're fully prepared.
"The important part for us now is to try and get the message out there to the members of the public to just take extra care.
"Take some precautionary measures now leading up towards it just in case we do see the same sort of road disruption we saw over the last week.
"You should really consider whether or not your journey is entirely necessary and particularly, if there is floodwater affecting road networks, do not enter the water in your vehicle, please."
Worcestershire County Council recently thanked all those who came together and helped those affected by the floods last week.
Worcestershire County Council’s Cabinet Member with responsibility for Highways and Transport, Councillor Mike Rouse, said: “I am immensely proud of the efforts of those who came together to respond to the impact of Storm Babet last weekend here in Worcestershire.
"Despite the intensity of the rain and the speed and level of the flooding, we ultimately kept people safe.
"River levels have now fallen, surface water has receded and the majority of roads have reopened, but the clean-up continues and the full scale of the damage is still being assessed.
"Many roads across Worcestershire are still very muddy, so please take extra care when driving.’’
Councillor Richard Morris, Cabinet Member for the Environment at Worcestershire County Council added: “Storm Babet brought significant rainfall and flooding to the county last week.
"I’d like to thank our residents for their understanding and co-operation during the flood event.
"I’d also like to thank our county council staff, partners and the local communities for their time and effort last weekend to respond to the events. The response, during the storm and now as we move into flood recovery has been excellent.”