People across Shropshire were today warned to batten down the hatches amid predictions of torrential rain and flooding this weekend.

Environment Agency managers have said the county could be one of the worst flood-hit areas in the country and said that despite some river levels receding, the picture could soon change if there is heavy rainfall.

The tributaries north of Shrewsbury have been identified as the hotspot for flooding.

Those close to the Powys and Shropshire border are being warned to be especially vigilant as river levels are set to reach a new peak this weekend with flood warnings still in place along the River Vyrnwy.

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Flood warnings are also in force across the Vyrnwy catchment area that includes the Tanat, Cain and Morda rivers, with more problems expected along the Severn.

People in Ironbridge are also on alert with a flood warning along the River Severn in that area.

Sarah Harcombe, from the Environment Agency, said that all flood defence barriers in Shropshire remained up as a precaution. She said: “We have got all flood defences up including those at Frankwell in Shrewsbury and at Ironbridge.

“We’re seeing widespread but generally low-level flooding and rivers are bank-full or spilling over onto the flood plain which is what it is designed to do.

“It’s a mixed picture but some rivers are steadily creeping upwards to reflect the rain that we have had.”

People are being advised to prepare emergency kits and clear out valuables as the Severn continues to rise.

Bridgnorth is also on flood watch, the Environment Agency said today. There is a flood watch between Coalport and Highley, which covers Bridgnorth.

Ms Harcombe added: “The Environment Agency continues to monitor the situation with flooding very closely. There is a flood watch from Coalport to Highley, which covers Bridgnorth. At the moment the river in Bridgnorth is steady. We are expecting more rain so we are asking people to remain vigilant as levels may rise over the next few days.”

Roads closed in Powys due to flooding include the A483 in Welshpool both ways between Welshpool and Llanymynech; A487 Machynlleth both ways and the A458 between Llanfair Caereinion and Bridge Street.

By Russell Roberts