A FLOOD warning has been issued for the River Stour and Smestow Brook as Storm Francis batters the region with high winds and heavy rain showers.

The Environment Agency has highlighted rising river levels at the Stourbridge gauge as a result of heavy rainfall, with flooded roads and farmland expected today (Tuesday) as further rainfall occurs.

Agency bosses say they are monitoring the situation and that river levels are also expected to remain high until Wednesday.

People are advised to avoid low lying roads near rivers and avoid using low lying footpaths and bridges near local watercourses.