THE Environment Agency has issued two flood alerts for Herefordshire today (December 7) after heavy rain caused rivers to rise.

The latest ones are for the river Leadon catchment and the river Lugg south of Leominster, and say that flooding is possible and people should be prepared.

The alert for the river Leadon catchment comes as the river remains high at the Wedderburn Bridge river gauge as a result of heavy rainfall. Flooding of roads and farmland is possible today, the Environment Agency said.

It added: "We expect flooding to affect low-lying land and roads adjacent to the river Leadon. Water may be out of bank. River levels will fall and then rise again as a result of rainfall. We are closely monitoring the situation.

"Please avoid low-lying roads, which may be flooded, and avoid using low-lying footpaths near local watercourses."

The other alert, for the river Lugg south of Leominster, said: "River levels have risen at the Lugwardine river gauge as a result of persistent heavy rainfall. Flooding is possible. Further rainfall is forecast. We expect river levels to remain high for several days. 

"We expect flooding to affect low-lying land and roads adjacent to the river Lugg south of Leominster from Stoke Prior to Mordiford.

"Please avoid using low-lying footpaths and bridges near local watercourses and plan driving routes to avoid low-lying roads near rivers, which may be flooded."

The Environment Agency is closely monitoring the situation. It said the flood alert area includes Ledbury, Much Marcle, Staunton, Tibberton, Bodenham, Lugwardine, and Hampton Bishop.