A FLOOD alert has been issued for Herefordshire as Storm Christoph brings heavy rain and winds to Herefordshire.

The Environment Agency is telling people living near the river Wye in Herefordshire to be prepared for flooding as river levels rise as a result of the named storm.

It plans to put up flood barriers in Hereford tomorrow (Wednesday), where the Wye is expected to peak on Thursday night.

A yellow weather warning for rain has been issued by the Met Office for large swathes of England, in force now until midday on Thursday.

Flooding of roads and farmland near the river in Hay-on-Wye is expected to start being 10.30am and 11.30am on Tuesday, the Environment Agency warned.

"We expect flooding to affect low lying land and roads along the river Wye from Hay-on-Wye to Ross-on-Wye," the warning said.

"Other locations that may be affected include the A438, Byford, Bredwardine and Hereford."

Predicted peaks for Wednesday:

  • Hay-on-Wye 2.8 to 3.2m
  • Bredwardine 5 to 5.5m

Predicted peaks for Thursday:

  • Belmont 5 to 5.5m
  • Old Wye Bridge 4.5 to 5m
  • Mordiford 4.8 to 5.3m
  • Ross-on-Wye 4.3 to 4.6m

Hereford Times: The Met Office has issued a flood alert for the river Wye in Herefordshire, meaning flooding is possible and people should be preparedThe Met Office has issued a flood alert for the river Wye in Herefordshire, meaning flooding is possible and people should be prepared

Further heavy rainfall is forecast over the next 24 hours and the agency expects river levels to remain high until Friday, warning people to avoid using low-lying roads and footpaths near local watercourses and avoid contact with flood water. 

The Met Office said spells of prolonged and heavy rain may lead to flooding and disruption to travel in places.

The forecast for Hereford shows rain is expected in the city from 2pm on Tuesday afternoon until the early hours of Thursday morning.

Hereford Times: A yellow weather warning is in force until midnight on Thursday. Picture: Met OfficeA yellow weather warning is in force until midnight on Thursday. Picture: Met Office

"Several days of persistent, and occasionally heavy, rain are expected to affect the region as Storm Christoph affects the UK.

"The heaviest and most persistent rain is likely to be across Wales and the high ground of northern England.

"By early Thursday, 30-60 mm of rain is expected to have fallen widely across the warning area, with 100-150 mm over the high ground of Wales and northern England.

"Up to 200 mm is possible across parts of north Wales and northwest England. Melting snow across higher parts of the Pennines may exacerbate the potential for flooding.

"Strong winds will also accompany the rainfall and may add to travelling difficulties across areas higher and more exposed routes."