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The Environment Agency is warning that the next 48 hours are "crucial" after severe weather struck much of England and Wales.Storms and threats of flooding have caused disruption and river levels have begun to rise.A repeat of July 2007's devastation is feared after rain began lashing western England overnight.Severe gales have hit much of west and south-east England and the Environment Agency has issued 68 flood warnings.Flash floods have been predicted across areas of England and Wales, and up to 25mm (1in) of rainfall is expected.A spokesman for the Environment Agency said: "It seems that Wales and the West Midlands is getting the worst weather at the moment but we should make it clear that it is currently nowhere near the scale of last summer, when there were more than 100 flood warnings."The problems will continue throughout the week. The next few days will be crucial."'Troublesome'
Gale-force winds have been predicted of 60-65mph on the south-east coast of England and 50mph inland.Chris Fawkes from the BBC weather centre said that the rain had left much of the ground saturated - and although Wednesday was expected to be dry, further storms on Thursday could result in further floods."Today's rain won't drain through the system, so we could be looking at a very similar situation [to today], and there may well be more flooding," he said.Flood warnings have been issued along the River Severn between Worcester and Tewkesbury, and from Tewkesbury to upstream of Gloucester.Kate Nelmes of Gloucestershire Police said: "We're not expecting things to be as serious as last year but we want to make sure we're prepared in case things get worse."A force spokeswoman added: "Flooding remains localised and there are a few road closures in place."There has been no need to carry out any evacuations at this stage, and it is anticipated that this situation will not arise."Gloucestershire Highways has reserve stocks of sandbags and have regular patrols throughout the county to monitor the situation."In Upton-upon-Severn, Worcestershire, which was badly affected during the summer floods, the river has burst its banks, but defences have prevented it flooding the town centre.Sgt John Roberts of West Mercia Police warned drivers in Worcestershire, Herefordshire and Shropshire that flooding on the roads was likely.He added: "If you come across a flooded road, do not attempt to cross it as you cannot judge how deep the water will get and what hidden hazards may be under the water." In Wales the flood plain of Pontcanna in Cardiff, north-west of the city centre, has been deluged by water, but the Environment Agency described this as "normal".So far there are no reports of property flooding in Wales, the spokesman added.Disruption caused by the weather has included:
Strong winds in the Channel Islands leading to delays on all flights between Jersey, Guernsey and Alderney
Train services cancelled in Hampshire, after flooding in the Botley and New Milton area
Some train services between Cheltenham and London Paddington have been delayed by flooding at Swindon
In South Yorkshire at Wharncliffe Side, the A6102 is closed both ways due to flooding
Traffic forced to slow down along the M5 after heavy rain, in particular between junctions 11 and 12 northbound.
Flooding fears
Gloucestershire County Council highway teams have been clearing debris from roads and inspecting the conditions of the region's highways.More than 4,000 homes and 500 businesses across Gloucestershire were affected by last year's floods.Kelly Bartlett, of the Longlevens Flood Committee in Gloucester, one of the city's worst-affected wards, said the council had begun last-ditch efforts to widen and deepen the brook which runs through her area and residents were busy lining the streets with sandbags. "Everyone in this area has stayed at home, no one has gone to work. You can't live a normal life. Every time it rains, you have to stay at home."People have moved their belongings upstairs."Many flood warnings have remained in place since Friday, when flash flooding brought roads and railways to a standstill.The agency said it expected the number of flood warnings to increase as the bad weather crossed Britain.A spokeswoman said people in areas where warnings are in place should take action against potential flooding of homes and businesses.The agency advised people to continually check the flood information section of the Environment Agency website, which is updated every 15 minutes.
Train services cancelled in Hampshire, after flooding in the Botley and New Milton area
Some train services between Cheltenham and London Paddington have been delayed by flooding at Swindon
In South Yorkshire at Wharncliffe Side, the A6102 is closed both ways due to flooding
Traffic forced to slow down along the M5 after heavy rain, in particular between junctions 11 and 12 northbound.
Flooding fears
Gloucestershire County Council highway teams have been clearing debris from roads and inspecting the conditions of the region's highways.More than 4,000 homes and 500 businesses across Gloucestershire were affected by last year's floods.Kelly Bartlett, of the Longlevens Flood Committee in Gloucester, one of the city's worst-affected wards, said the council had begun last-ditch efforts to widen and deepen the brook which runs through her area and residents were busy lining the streets with sandbags. "Everyone in this area has stayed at home, no one has gone to work. You can't live a normal life. Every time it rains, you have to stay at home."People have moved their belongings upstairs."Many flood warnings have remained in place since Friday, when flash flooding brought roads and railways to a standstill.The agency said it expected the number of flood warnings to increase as the bad weather crossed Britain.A spokeswoman said people in areas where warnings are in place should take action against potential flooding of homes and businesses.The agency advised people to continually check the flood information section of the Environment Agency website, which is updated every 15 minutes.
