THE Environment Agency today warned of "intense bursts of rain", as parts of the Midlands and the South West braced themselves for further flooding.

It followed the agency's warning to homeowners to move their valuables upstairs and to tie down garden furniture in anticipation of a deluge.

Area manager Paul Tullet said rain from North Wales would swell rivers during the day, although it would be easier to predict the extent of flooding once it had fallen.

He said: "I think we can expect intense bursts of rain, but over the period it is not looking too bad and rivers can cope with the level.

"We are concerned about the River Severn. It is steadily dropping, but will soon be elevated by rain from North Wales.

"We have flood warning systems here and those that receive flood watches and warnings need to prepare and act.

"Our current prediction is that there will be some low-lying flooding on smaller roads and fields. If we have a heavy downpour of rain, that can be unpredictable, but we are not thinking that is going to be a major issue."

The Midlands, Wales and South West are expected to get the worst of the rain over the weekend, according to MeteoGroup, the weather division of the Press Association.

The Highways Agency has urged motorists to drive slowly and pack food and warm clothes in case they become trapped on a flooded road.

Rail travel services are being disrupted in the South West, Powys and Hampshire, with replacement bus and taxi services running.

Scotland is expected to escape the worst of the deluge.