THE Met Office has issued an updated flood alert for Chester as rising river levels have seen Townfield Lane in Farndon cut off.

It comes as the area deals with the aftermath of Storm Gerrit.

Yesterday the Chester area was made subject to an amber alert which is still in place today, and has now been extended to the early hours of Friday morning (December 29).

A Met Office spokesperson said: "River levels are slowly rising on the River Dee in response to rainfall and are expected to peak in the early hours of tomorrow morning.

"Flooding is possible at low lying land and roads around the River Dee at Shocklach, Farndon, Handley, Lower Kinnerton, Chester and Puddington.

"Townfield Lane is cut off.

"River levels are expected to remain high through to Friday.

“We will continue to monitor the forecast and re-issue this alert if necessary.

“Avoid using low lying footpaths and any bridges near local watercourses and do not attempt to walk or drive through flood water.”

Met Office guidance states that a flood alert means you need to prepare as flooding is possible.

If you have not already done so, you should:

  • sign up for flood warnings
  • keep up to date with the latest flood risk situation - call Floodline on 0345 988 1188 or follow @EnvAgency and #floodaware on Twitter for the latest flood updates.
  • have a bag ready with vital items like insurance documents and medications in case you need to leave your home.
  • check you know how to turn off your gas, electricity and water mains supplies.
  • plan how you'll move family and pets to safety.