RESIDENTS have been warned to prepare for heavy rain and strong winds as Storm Dennis is set to hit Worcestershire this weekend.

Yellow weather warnings are in place across the county, with a risk of flooding in some areas.

Travel disruption is also likely, and drivers have been advised to take care when travelling and consider whether the journey is necessary before setting out.

Storm Dennis will persist into Sunday, with very strong winds and outbreaks of heavy rain continuing. Further high rainfall amounts are expected, with a continued risk of flooding.

There was flooding on the Powick hams on Friday morning, which affected the dualling works at Carrington Bridge.

Ken Pollock, cabinet member with responsibility for economy and infrastructure, said: "Some work will need to be delayed but others will progress."

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While a flood warning was issued in Hanley Road, in Upton-upon-Severn.

Dave Throup, environment agency manager for Worcestershire, tweeted: “We’ve just issued a flood warning for Hanley Road Upton. B4211 Hanley Road may be closed imminently. @WorcsTravel are monitoring. Severn peaking this morning but a lot more rain to come through weekend.”

Worcs Highways and Travel also tweeted: “We are closing B4211 Hanley Road at #Upton-upon-Severn due to flooding - local diversions will operate.”

The Met Office is warning of possible power cuts and said cancellations to public transport was likely.

Met Office chief meteorologist, Steve Willington, said: “Following Storm Ciara last weekend and further spells of rain this week, the ground is already saturated in places. With Storm Dennis bringing further heavy and persistent rain over the weekend, there is a risk of significant impacts from flooding, including damage to property and a danger to life from fast flowing floodwater.

“Our advice is to keep an eye on the latest weather forecast and weather warnings for your area and to follow the safety advice from officials.”

Hylton Road in Worcester was closed from 6.30pm last night (February 14) for installation of flood pumps. There were flood alerts in force in the River Severn and Avon in Worcestershire.

Following Storm Ciara last weekend, residents saw the aftermath as trees had fallen, which caused disruption to roads and power cables to be damaged.

Additional staff from Worcestershire Highways and Travel were on standby, including drainage crews and specialist tree contractors.