The risk of flooding in Herefordshire this evening has reduced significantly, with the Environment Agency downgrading the predicted peak levels on the River Wye.

The previous update that was issued earlier this morning indicated that the Wye could peak in Hereford at levels close to 4 metres later today, this has since been downgraded to around 3 metres tomorrow, meaning that riverside paths should remain clear.

The Environment Agency update in full:

“River levels are forecast to rise at the Hay-On-Wye river gauge as a result of persistent heavy rainfall. Consequently, flooding is expected from this evening. 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. River levels have fallen but we are expecting them to rise again Sunday evening. Predicted Peaks:- Hay on Wye 1.5 to 1.8m tomorrow morning, Bredwardine 3.2 to 3.5m tomorrow morning, Belmont 3.2 to 3.5m tomorrow afternoon, Old Wye Bridge 2.8 to 3.1m tomorrow afternoon, Mordiford 3.2 to 3.5m Tomorrow night, Ross on Wye 3.0 to 3.3m Tomorrow night. We expect river levels to remain high in to the start of the week with further rainfall expected. We are closely monitoring the situation. Please avoid using low lying footpaths near local watercourses and avoid contact with flood water. This message will be updated by 19:00 on 31/10/2021, or as the situation changes.”