High water levels on the River Severn could mean that people in Gloucester won’t get a good view of a five-star Severn Bore.
The world famous Severn Bore flows through Gloucestershire and hordes of people are expected to make their way to a suitable spot early on Friday morning to catch a wave.
It will be the first of five-star Severn Bore for 2019.
You can follow live coverage of the Bore here
Surfers are hoping there could be waves as high as 10.3 metres.
It will reach Newnham on Severn by 7.53 and Over Bridge by 9.28 but by then the high water levels will have absorbed the wave.
There is expected to be a tide height of 10.3 metres.
Experts are warning thrill seekers not to take part unless they have prior experience of surfing after flood warnings for Gloucestershire were issued.
Where’s the best place to stand?
Blogger for severnbore.co.uk Steve Potter said people had been out on Thursday to surf a four-star bore at Newnham.
He was at the White Hart at Broadoak.
“The view this morning was amazing. It was over five feet high. The size of the wave was all the way up to your shoulder,” he said.
He added there’s a two-mile clear view of the river at that point which is also away from the river bank.
“We’re advising people not to stand by the riverbanks. We’re also advising people not to surf it’s there first time,” he said, adding that fast-flowing currents have created whirlpools in the water.
Currently the water is high at Maisemore and Over meaning anyone standing there won’t see much of a wave.
On their Facebook page, severnbore.co.uk added: “As the size of the tides increase this week Low lying ground are at risk of flooding.
“Places like Maisemore along the banks and Stonebench having low banks and low lying roads, as flooding happens quickly with the incoming tides these areas are inadvisable for viewing.
“For the best views places like the Old Passage at Arlingham, Newhnam on Severn, White Hart at Broadoak and the Anchor at Epney are safer and have good views of the River.
“Areas like Epney have restricted parking and are country roads, consideration to the local residents is appreciated.”
Why is the water so high?
Heavy rain over the weekend has taken its time to work its way down the River Severn from Wales and into the sea.
Dave Throup from the Environment Agency said there has been 280 tonnes of water per second working through it.
On Monday morning Mr Throup tweeted: “The Severn is a slow river! It takes four to five days for rainfall to work its way through the system.”
What is the Severn Bore?
Described as one of Britain's “few truly spectacular natural phenomena”, it is a large surge wave in the River Severn estuary, where the tidal range is the second highest in the world, being as much as 50 feet, and heading up to Gloucester.
It is formed when the rising tide moves into the funnel-shaped Bristol Channel and Severn Estuary.
The surging water then forces its way upstream in a series of waves, as far as Gloucester.
But the bore changes in different stretches of the river. In the lower, wider parts it is more noticeable in the deep channels as a slight roller, while the water creeps across the sand and mudflats.
In the narrower, upper reaches, the river occupies the whole area between its banks and the bore advances in a series of waves that move upstream.
What time should I head down to the River to see it happening?
Surfers will be getting into the water about 20 minutes beforehand.
Always be wary of watching on the riverbank as the wave can breach the banks as it passes.
Enthusiasts are advised the bore can arrive up to 20 minutes early or 30 minutes late depending on prevailing weather conditions. You are advised to get there early.
WARNING: River surfing can be dangerous. With under-surface currents, cold temperatures and a range of other hazards we urge people to take extreme caution and follow advice from the authorities.
Roads are likely to be affected in the area due to high water levels.
A spokesman from the Environment Agency said: “We expect river levels to remain high over the next few days. We are closely monitoring the situation. Please plan driving routes to avoid low lying roads near rivers, which may be flooded.”
