RIVER levels in Worcestershire are expected to peak tomorrow afternoon - as forecasters warn of more heavy rain.

The Environment Agency say the River Severn in Worcestershire, which burst its banks before Christmas, will reach a high by Thursday evening.

The Diglis gauge is due to peak at between 3.7 and 4.2 metres, while the Worcester gauge will peak at between 4.2 and 4.7 metres, with flood alerts remaining in place.

It comes amid miserable weather to kick off 2014, with bursts of rain forecast for the days ahead.

Today's downpours have already led to flash flooding in some parts of the county.

Kirk Waite, a forecaster from the Met Office, said: “It’s been quite wet in Worcestershire and that spell of weather is going to continue.

“After heavy bursts of rain and strong winds on Wednesday, showers will continue overnight into Thursday.

“Thursday itself will then become quite bright, with some sun breaking through the clouds and a maximum temperature of around 10C (50F) before another band of rain comes in overnight.

“Some heavy winds are behind it and that will mean more wet weather overnight into Friday morning.

“During the day on Friday, it will be a mix of showers and sunshine with temperatures reaching 9C (48F).”

Early forecasts indicate the unsettled spell will carry on into the weekend, with mild and wet weather.

Work to clean up flooded areas in Worcester has been underway in recent days.