A FLOOD alert has been issued to residents living near the River Weaver following heavy rain over Tuesday night.

Flooding of low-lying land and roads is possible and residents are advised to avoid watercourses.

A spokesman for the Environment Agency said they would continue to monitor the situation.

They said: "A prolonged period of heavy rain associated with Storm Christoph will continue to cause river levels to rise at the Hayhurst and Shrewbridge river gauges and consequently flooding of property or roads and farmland is possible.

"We believe there is a possibility of flooding for low lying land and roads around the Rivers Weaver, Ducklow, Wheelock and their tributaries.

"Further rainfall is forecast over the next 48 hours and we expect river levels to remain high until Friday.

"Our incident response staff are closely monitoring weather forecasts and river levels and will issue flood warnings if necessary.

"Please avoid using low lying footpaths near local watercourses, be aware of your surroundings, and keep up to date with the current situation."

Meanwhile a flood alert is also in place for the River Dee catchment area."

The Environment Agency spokesman added: "River levels are rising at the Farndon river gauge as a result of persistent heavy rainfall.

"Consequently, we believe there is a possibility of flooding for low lying land and roads around the River Dee at Shocklach, Farndon, Handley, Lower Kinnerton, Chester and Puddington.

"We expect river levels to remain high over the next few days.

"Please be aware that access to Townfield Lane could be cut off due to high river levels.

"Our incident response staff are closely monitoring weather forecasts and river levels, and will issue flood warnings if necessary."