VILLAGES around Oswestry including Llanymynech, Melverley and Maesbrook are being warned to expect immediate flooding because of heavy rains.

Both the Environment Agency (EA) in England and Natural Resources Wales have issued the warnings for the River Vyrnwy at around 4.50pm on Wednesday.

There is also a flood alert for the Severn/Vyrnwy confluence further down the rivers towards Crew Green.

An EA spokesman confirmed river levels are rising in Llanymynech on the Powys/Shropshire border and flooding around the villages plus Four Crosses until 10.30pm Wednesday evening.

They said: “River levels are rising at the Llanymynech river gauge as a result of heavy rainfall. Consequently, flooding of property is imminent.

“We expect flooding to affect properties and roads in and around Maesbrook including the A483 between Llanymynech and Four Crosses, just south of Llanymynech Bridge.”

Natural Resources Wales added: “Flooding to property is expected.

“Flooding of low-lying land and roads is ongoing. Impacts are ongoing. The B4398 near the canal at New Bridge, Llanymynech could be affected by flooding.

“The B4398 near the canal at new bridge, Llanymynech, the A483 between Llanymynech and Four Crosses, just south of Llanymynech and minor roads in the area could be affected by flooding.”

The EA added: “We are closely monitoring the situation.

“Please activate any property flood protection products you may have, such as flood barriers and air brick covers.”