A number of flood alerts have been issued on rivers in Herefordshire, with rain forecast this afternoon, and snow melting.
Flood Alert – River Wye in Herefordshire:
River levels are rising at the Hay-On-Wye river gauge as a result of recent rainfall and snowmelt. Consequently, flooding of roads and farmland is expected today 05/01/2025 and Monday 06/01/2025.
We expect flooding to affect low lying land and roads along the River Wye from Hay on Wye to Ross on Wye. Other locations that may be affected include the A438, Byford, Bredwardine and Hereford.
Predicted peaks:- Hay on Wye 2.0m to 2.4m on Monday morning 06/01/2025; Bredwardine 3.8m to 4.3m on Monday afternoon 06/01/2025; Belmont 3.9m to 4.4m on Monday evening 06/01/2025; Old Wye Bridge 3.4m to 3.9m on Monday evening 06/01/2025; Mordiford 3.8m to 4.2m on Monday afternoon 06/01/2025; Ross on Wye 3.5m to 3.9m on Tuesday morning 07/01/2025.
Further rainfall is forecast over the next few days.
We are closely monitoring the situation. Our incident response staff are liaising with emergency services and or Local Authorities.
Flood Alert – River Lugg (south of Leominster):
‘River levels are forecast to rise at the Lugwardine river gauge as a result of recent rainfall and snowmelt. Consequently, flooding of roads and farmland is expected on Sunday 05/01/25 and Monday 06/01/25.
‘We expect flooding to affect low lying land and roads adjacent to the River Lugg south of Leominster from Stoke Prior to Mordiford. Other locations that may be affected include Bodenham, Lugwardine and Hampton Bishop.
‘Further rainfall is forecast throughout Sunday 05/01/25 and Monday 06/01/25.
‘We are closely monitoring the situation. We are closely monitoring the situation. Our incident response staff are liaising with emergency services and Local Authorities.’
River Frome in Herefordshire:
‘River levels are forecast to rise at the Bishops Frome river gauge as a result of recent rainfall and snowmelt. Consequently, flooding of roads and farmland is expected on Sunday 05/01/25 and Monday 06/01/25.
‘We expect flooding to affect low lying land and roads along the River Frome from Bromyard to Hereford. Other locations that may be affected include Bishops Frome and Yarkhill.
‘Further rainfall is forecast throughout Sunday 05/01/25 and Monday 06/01/25.
‘We are closely monitoring the situation. Our incident response staff are liaising with emergency services and or Local Authorities.’
River Leadon Catchment:
‘River levels have risen at the Bromsberrow and Wedderburn Bridge river gauges as a result of recent rainfall. Consequently, flooding of roads and farmland is possible Sunday overnight, 05/01/25 into Monday morning, 05/01/25.
‘We expect flooding to affect low lying land and roads adjacent to the River Leadon. Locations that may be affected include Ledbury, Much Marcle, Staunton and Tibberton. Water may be out of bank at Upleadon Court.
‘Further showers are possible over the next 48 hours.
‘We are closely monitoring the situation. Please avoid using low lying footpaths near local watercourses and plan driving routes to avoid low lying roads near rivers, which may be flooded.’
Almost 1,000 properties were without power overnight across Herefordshire, following snowfall and freezing rain.
Temperatures are very slowly rising now, with rain / sleet spreading in, replacing snow. However, it remains a morning of difficult driving conditions.
The A49 is partially blocked at Dinmore Hill, due to a fallen tree on the southbound carriageway towards Hereford.
The majority of main roads, such as the A49 (Ross-on-Wye to Hereford and Leominster to Ludlow) remain clear, as well as the A4103 (Hereford to Worcester Road) and the A438 (Hereford to Ledbury Road).
The M50 is open as normal.
We understand that conditions on the A465 (Hereford to Abergavenny Road) have improved but there is still snow in some places.
Motorists are advised to take extra care on untreated surfaces, such as side roads. Pedestrians are also advised to remain aware that the majority of pavements will not have been gritted and due to a period of freezing rain, conditions under foot could be treacherous.
The snow is thawing in most places, but conditions are expected to remain challenging throughout the morning period.
The Met Office has one weather warning in force for Herefordshire.
Yellow Warning for Heavy Rain
“Outbreaks of rain, heavy at times, are likely on Sunday. 15 to 25 mm rainfall, combined with some thaw of lying snow, may lead to some flooding and travel disruption in places.”
Met Office Warnings – https://weather.metoffice.gov.uk/warnings-and-advice/uk-warnings#?date=2025-01-05
Met Office forecast for the next few days:
Today:
Rain continues through much of the day, heavy at times in the northwest beneath the thickest cloud. Easing in the east for a time but winds can be strong here. Cold across the north but milder in the south. Maximum temperature 10 °C.
Tonight:
Rain moves eastwards overnight, with the return of snow for some by the early hours. Turning drier but colder by dawn however, with winds easing and shifting to a northerly. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
Monday:
Patchy cloud through the day but much drier than on Sunday. Sunny spells in the west but remaining cold within the northerly winds. Maximum temperature 2 °C.
Outlook for Tuesday to Thursday:
Remaining cold with icy surfaces persisting in sheltered spots this week. Spells of hazy sunshine broken up by occasional wintry showers by day, with clear skies bringing some frosty nights.
