TRANSPORT disruption and flooding is expected as heavy rain and strong winds are set to batter Herefordshire for a second consecutive weekend.
The Met Office has issued weather warnings ahead of the arrival of Storm Dennis, covering England, Wales and large parts of Scotland on Saturday, and the entire UK on Sunday.
Yellow warnings for wind and rain have been issued for Herefordshire on both days, with the Met Office warning some communities could be cut of by flooding.
Hereford city's street market has been cancelled on Saturday due to the storm.
A spokesperson for Herefordshire Markets and Events said they had taken the decision not to hold the regular Saturday street market, which takes place every week in Hereford High Town, on February 15 due to "ongoing severe wind and rain forecasts".
READ MORE: Severe weather risk forces cancellation of Hereford street market
Flood alerts
The Environment Agency has issue flood alerts for several rivers in the county, meaning flooding is possible and people should be prepared.
There are currently flood alerts on the following rivers:
- Arrow
- Frome
- River Lugg (north and south of Leominster)
- Tributaries in England to the river Monnow
- Wye
The Environment Agency said the alerts have been issued as Storm Dennis is forecast to bring heavy rainfall over the weekend, falling over already saturated catchments.
"Where intense rainfall does occur, flooding of low lying land is possible," it says on the organisation's website.
"Surface water flooding may also occur. We urge you to remain vigilant, avoid walking and driving through flood water.
"We are closely monitoring the situation and liaising with our professional partners."
Caroline Douglass, flood duty manager at the Environment Agency, added: "We have teams out across England today continuing to prepare for the severe weather that we are expecting over the weekend.
"The above-average rainfall that we have seen since the autumn means that we'll be seeing rain falling on already wet ground, leading to an increased risk of flooding."
Weather forecast
According to the Met Office, we can expect rain this evening, but dry spells to follow by midnight. It will be a relatively calm and mild night, they added.
Strong winds and heavy rain is forecast throughout the day on Saturday, with gusts strengthening and becoming widespread by the afternoon.
The stormy weather is set to continue into Sunday, but it should clear into the evening.
Transport disruption
As was seen last week during Storm Ciara, Storm Dennis is expected to cause disruption to the road and rail network as trees and flooding block routes.
READ MORE: How Storm Ciara hit Herefordshire
Speed restrictions and reduced services are expected on railway line between south and north Wales, via Hereford and Leominster, this weekend.
Network Rail and Transport for Wales have warned that Storm Dennis will affect rail travellers across Wales and the Borders.
Advice from the companies said: “The safety of our customers and colleagues is our first priority and as a result there will be speed restrictions in place across our network, on Saturday, and some areas will see a reduced service running.
“We expect to see extremely heavy rainfall on areas already affected by Storm Ciara last week and are preparing extensively for this."
READ MORE: Disruption expected on trains as Storm Dennis approaches
The storm is also likely to cause treacherous driving conditions.
AA Patrol of the Year Ben Sheridan said: "The forecast looks bleak across the UK with warnings for wind and heavy rain which will significantly reduce visibility on the roads.
"For those who are braving the storm, drivers should make sure they account for the conditions. Slow down, allow for greater stopping distances and watch out for potential hazards."
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