GLOUCESTERSHIRE is being advised to be prepared this weekend with heavy rain forecast.

Gloucestershire County Council has said it is prepared and is urging residents to do the same as the Met Office predicts significant rain across England tonight Friday, July 6 and into tomorrow Saturday, July 7.

Gloucestershire Highways have additional response crews on standby across the county to deal with incidents as they arise. Gully emptying and unblocking crews are also on standby.

Gloucestershire should miss the worst of the weather but the county council has said it will be keeping a close eye on conditions over the weekend, monitoring Environment Agency flood alerts and Gloucestershire river levels.

There are currently no reported problems, closures or weather related incidents on the county’s roads.

Drivers are being reminded that standing water on many roads with heavy rain will reduce visibility.

The council is advising drivers to reduce speed; avoid heavy braking; slow down when approaching standing water; and turn and manoeuvre gently.

Jason Humm, highways manager at Gloucestershire Highways said: "Gloucestershire Highways and our colleagues at Fire and Rescue are fully prepared, and have crews on hand locally to keep residents in the county safe.

"I would encourage all drivers to take care when driving and leave plenty of room for braking on wet roads."

Any problems on the roads contact Gloucestershire Highways on 08000 514 514.