Environment bosses today warned Shropshire residents to brace themselves amid fears the county could be one of the worst-flood hit areas in the country.

Torrential rain is expected to continue over the weekend and tributaries north of Shrewsbury have been identified as the hotspot for flooding. People are being advised to prepare emergency kits.

They are also being warned to clear out valuables as the River Severn continues to rise.

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A spokeswoman for the Environment Agency today said: “The river levels are dropping in Shrewsbury but due to the rain they are expected to rise again.

“We have got a flood warning in Shropshire on the River Severn from Buildwas to Coalport and we have flood watches on the river through Shropshire and on the Tern and Perry and the Severn Confluence.

“The river is still rising in Bridgnorth and at Crew Green and barriers remain up at Ironbridge and at Frankwell in Shrewsbury.”

An Environment Agency spokesman said: “We are warning people across the Midlands to prepare for flooding again over the next few days, as the latest weather forecast from the Met Office is predicting heavy rainfall.

“While everyone living in a flood-risk area should remain vigilant, we believe that flooding is especially likely to occur on the Severn and its tributaries north of Shrewsbury and in Gloucestershire.”

Flood forecasting team leader Richard Cross said: “Move valuables upstairs now. Identify a safe place where you, your family and pets can keep away from floodwater. Be ready to move livestock and cars to higher ground, if necessary.

“Tie down securely any loose items in the garden, such as garden furniture. These can get swept away and block watercourses, causing additional flooding.

“Gather essential items together – warm clothes, blankets, regular medication, torch, food, mobile phone and battery operated or wind-up radio.”

Rail services are still disrupted in Powys with replacement bus and taxi services running today.

Flooding between Welshpool and Newtown forced Arriva Trains to put on a replacement bus service.