A SEVERE warning of rain is in place for Gloucestershire, with heavy downpours expected to batter the Stroud district this weekend.

The warning is in place for Saturday, when a spell of persistent and heavy rain is expected, accompanied by strong winds.

A spokesman from the Met Office said: "20-30 mm of rain is expected quite widely across the warning area with 50-70 mm on south-facing slopes.

"In addition, southerly gales or severe gales are expected with gusts of 40-50mph inland and locally 65mph over higher ground and south-facing coasts.

"As this rain will be falling on near-saturated ground, please be aware of the risk of localised flooding and perhaps some disruption to travel."

Showers are expected to be lighter on Sunday but still persistent.