Flood experts 'closely monitoring' river levels as Shropshire prepares for a battering from Storm Bert

A flood alert for the Tern and Perry catchments is in place with river levels still elevated after the recent wet weather.

The Environment Agency says it is "closely monitoring the situation" over the next few days. 

A spokesperson for the Government agency said: "We expect flooding to affect low-lying land and roads adjacent to the river from Wolverley to Newport. Other locations that may be affected include Market Drayton, Wem and Rodington.

"We are closely monitoring the situation. Please avoid using low-lying footpaths near local watercourses and plan driving routes to avoid low-lying roads near rivers, which may be flooded."

A yellow weather warning will be in place for some of Shropshire from 6am on Saturday to 6am on Sunday in preparation for the arrival of Storm Bert. 

The Met Office has warned that travel disruption, powercuts and flooding are likely as the storm will sweep across the country with heavy rain and strong winds. Forecasters said there is a good chance some rural communities could become cut off as a result.

The weather warning currently covers Wales and the border including Oswestry and Welshpool, Shrewsbury and some of south Shropshire, including Ludlow.

Met Office deputy chief meteorologist Dan Holley said: "Storm Bert marks a shift to much milder air and wintry hazards will gradually diminish through the weekend, but heavy snowfall is expected across parts of northern England and Scotland for a time on Saturday, especially over higher ground, and warnings are in place.

"Heavy rain through Saturday and Sunday, especially in southern and western parts of the UK, will also bring impacts for some with a number of warnings in place. In addition, rapid melting of lying snow over the weekend and periods of strong winds are likely to exacerbate impacts and bring the potential for travel disruption, as well as flooding for some."