SWOLLEN rivers have once again turned fields near Worcester into a lake and battered a partially collapsed historic bridge as flooding caused disruption over the Easter break.

Flood warnings and alerts were in force across Worcestershire today (Good Friday) as heavy rainfall caused river levels to rise on the Avon, Severn and Teme.

The Met Office says the weather is expected to become more settled over the Easter weekend  after a spell of wet and windy conditions.

However, showers are expected to return to the south west on Sunday and more wet weather may be on the way.

Mill Bank, Fladbury was closed at Jubilee Bridge Fladbury from Mill Bank To Neigh Lane due to flooding. 

Malvern Gazette: WATERWORLD: Powick Hams looking over the Carrington Bridge towards the Malvern Hills WATERWORLD: Powick Hams looking over the Carrington Bridge towards the Malvern Hills (Image: James Connell/Newsquest)

Mill Lane, Hanley Castle was also closed (the closure affected New Street, Upton on Severn between The Old Fire Station To The Fruit Farm, U61204 junction).

The warnings were in force on Friday on the River Severn at Court Meadow, Kempsey and Callow End and the River Avon at Strensham and Bredon.

Flood alerts were also in place on Bow and Piddle Brook, Kempsey Village and the Lower Teme at Bransford.

Malvern Gazette: SUBMERGED: Powick Old Bridge, pictured on Good Friday where the archways are again underwater SUBMERGED: Powick Old Bridge, pictured on Good Friday where the archways are again underwater (Image: James Connell/Newsquest)

On Friday river levels had risen at the Kempsey Yacht Club river gauge with flooding of property, roads and farmland expected. The peak was expected to come on Friday afternoon with the flooding affecting Court Meadow Caravan Park. A peak at Kempsey Yacht Club of 6.1 to 6.3 metres was predicted.

 

Meanwhile, these images show widespread flooding in the fields at Powick Hams near the Carrington Bridge and near Bransford after heavy rain and 'tornado' conditions on Thursday evening.

The River Teme has risen with the archways of the Powick Old Bridge once again entirely submerged as the fast-flowing and swollen water sent more driftwood crashing into the side of the structure

Concern about Powick Old Bridge has been rising since the partial collapse of the wing wall of the medieval structure at the end of January. 

The bridge remains closed to pedestrians and cyclists.  The bridge is considered a vital part of Worcestershire's rich heritage as the site of the first skirmish of the English Civil War, the Battle of Powick Bridge on September 23, 1642.

It was also of key importance during the last battle of the Civil War, the Battle of Worcester, on September 3, 1651.