Flood warnings have been issued across Wiltshire, as consistent rainfall and strong winds in recent weeks have caused higher-than-normal river levels.

An amber warning for rain and wind is in place across sections of the country on Wednesday and Thursday with further wet and windy weather in the forecast linked to Storm Ciaran.

Wiltshire has narrowly avoided the amber warning, and instead has a yellow rain and wind warning in place, but the Met Office has warned to expect heavy rain and potential flooding.

Wind is expected to be particularly bad in areas south of Marlborough, including Devizes, Melksham, Trowbridge and Westbury.

Flood warnings have also been put in place in and around Devizes, Melksham and Trowbridge, with Environment Agency flood warning officers saying that "flooding is possible in these areas."

Areas north of Purton are also at risk.

Swindon Advertiser: Areas around Devizes, Melksham and Trowbridge are particularly at risk of flooding.Areas around Devizes, Melksham and Trowbridge are particularly at risk of flooding. (Image: Gov.uk)

"Monitor local water levels and weather conditions. Avoid using low-lying footpaths or entering areas prone to flooding, and start acting on your flood plan if you have one," a spokesperson warned.

Wiltshire Council have also issued warnings and urged locals to monitor the situation on the Environment Agency's website.

A council spokesperson said: “Council highways teams will be on standby to deal with incidents such as flooding and fallen trees and will work through these on a priority basis as they occur.

“People should report any incidents of flooding or fallen trees via the council’s MyWilts reporting system.”

Cllr Caroline Thomas, cabinet member for transport and flooding, added that: "There are currently weather warnings and flood alerts in place, though of course these can change, so we’d advise people to ensure they are prepared and that they keep up-to-date with Met Office weather warnings and Environment Agency flood warnings in case the forecast worsens."

Storm Ciaran is expected to hit while parts of the UK, including areas of Wiltshire, are still recovering from Storm Babet - which battered towns and villages all over the county earlier this month.

Met Office deputy chief meteorologist, Chris Almond, added: “This deep low-pressure system will bring heavy rain to much of the UK, but the heaviest rain is expected in southern and western areas with 20 to 25mm quite widely across the region but up to 40 to 60mm potentially over higher ground.

"Heavy and persistent rain will fall onto already saturated ground bringing a risk of further impacts such as flooding in areas that are already struggling to clean up from the heavy rainfall we have seen over the last week or so."