DRIVERS and those going outdoors have been warned to take care as Storm Frank whips its way across the county.
Last night (Tuesday) and today (Wednesday) have seen Worcestershire Highways teams making roads safe and free of fallen debris following high winds and rainfall which has been forecast up to the New Year.
Although Worcestershire has not experienced the severity of weather seen in the north and elsewhere in the UK, county council teams have so far attended around 20 locations to remove fallen trees and will remain on full alert over the next 24 hours and into the New Year.
The Met Office has forecast that a band of heavy and persistent rain, accompanied by strong southerly winds, will continue to move eastwards this afternoon and early evening.
Additional tree contractors and extra gully emptiers are currently on standby ready waiting to deal with any flash flooding that may occur on the roads. All ford crossings have been inspected and closed where necessary.
As well as flash flooding on the highway, the county council says it is in close liaison with the Environment Agency, West Mercia Police and other partners about the ongoing weather situation and are ready to react to any problems that may be caused by river flooding.
The Environment Agency flood defence barriers remain in place at Severnside North, Bewdley and the flood gate is closed at New Street, Upton upon Severn. Flood pumps have been installed in preparation at Hylton Road, Worcester should they be required.
John Smith, Cabinet Member for Highways said, “We are very experienced at dealing with the aftermath of wet, windy and cold conditions and it seems that at the moment we are facing all of these. Our teams are out and about ready to respond to whatever challenges the elements may throw at us and our first concern is to keep people safe.
“I would urge drivers to check forecasts before taking any longer journey over the New Year period and to drive according to weather conditions.”
