In pictures: Floating cars and closed paths as floods close parts of Stafford town centre

Photos taken across the town show the severity of the flooding as the water of the River Sow reached high levels due to heavy rainfall and snowmelt. 

The flooding is expected to continue affecting low-lying land and roads.

A flood alert for the River Sow and River Penk on the Gov.uk website advises the public to avoid footpaths and bridges near the waterways. 

The full warning, which was last updated at 8am on Tuesday, reads: "River levels remain high at the Milford river gauge as a result of rainfall and snowmelt. Consequently, flooding is expected to continue. 

"We expect flooding to affect low-lying land and roads adjacent to the River Sow between Great Bridgeford and Shugborough, the River Penk between Coven and Stafford, the Sandyford Brook, the Rising Brook, the Ridings Brook and the Saredon Brook.

"No further significant rainfall is forecast.

"We are closely monitoring the situation. Our incident response staff are actively checking river levels and the weather forecast.

"Please avoid using low lying footpaths and bridges near local watercourses and plan driving routes to avoid low lying roads near rivers, which may be flooded."

Reader and local photographer Ian Knight sent in some photos of the worst-hit areas of the town.

 For the latest flood alerts visit the Gov.uk website.