THE Environment Agency has issued flood warnings for rivers in Berkshire tonight as the county braces itself for heavy rain and strong winds this weekend.

There are "be prepared" warnings for stretches of the River Loddon and Emm Brook as the Met Office forecasts a further wave of rainfall to hit the county tomorrow.

The warnings come after widespread flooding in the South West forcing the Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service (RBFRS) to deploy its Water Rescue Unit and boat crew to help neighbouring forces in Gloucestershire and those covering the M5 corridor.

In Berkshire households at risk of flooding are being urged to take precautions and drivers should avoid travelling during heavy rainfall.

Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service (RBFRS) spokeswoman Nicole Targett said: "It is likely that there will be standing water and debris on the roads. Drivers are also advised not to attempt to negotiate flooded roads and should definitely avoid fords until water levels have subsided."

There are warnings in force on: - Emm Brook, including Wokingham.

- Lower River Loddon, including Swallowfield, Arborfield, Shinfield, Barkham, Lower Earley, Sindlesham, Winnersh, Woodley, Hurst and Waltham-St-Lawrence.

- River Thames for Shiplake, Lower Shiplake and Wargrave.

- River Kennet and its tributaries from Berwick Bassett to Newbury - including Kintbury.

- River Thames from Pangbourne to Purley, including Whitchurch.

- Lower River Loddon at the River Thames confluence at Twyford, including Charvil and Wargrave.

- River Thames from Mapledurham to Sonning, including Reading, Caversham and Playhatch .

- River Thames and its tributaries from Days Lock to above Pangbourne, including Goring and Streatley.

- River Pang from East Ilsley to Pangbourne and Sulham Brook, including Compton, Hampstead Norreys, Frilsham, Bucklebury, Stanford Dingley, Bradfield and Tidmarsh; and the Sulham Brook from Theale to Pangbourne including Sulham.