A second flood alert has been issued for Swindon as rain continues to fall, and the government warns of the possibility of more severe flood warnings.

The second alert applies in the West Swindon area above Water Eaton, mostly affecting the areas closest to the River Ray in the Rodbourne and Westmead areas of Swindon.

Two other flood alerts are active in Wiltshire. The second is for the River Cole, Dorcan Brook and South Marston Brook, affecting the Lower Stratton area of Swindon.

The third in the Mid Bristol Avon area spreads from north of Trowbridge down to Great Cheverell, with the areas most at risk being low-lying land and roads between Melksham and Bathford.

The government website says that while “we are not expecting flood warnings today… the weather outlook shows further rain forecast for the rest of this week that may result in flood warnings.”

It adds in the Swindon flood alert: “Property flooding is not currently expected. River levels are rising rapidly on the River Ray as a result of heavy rain.

“Further heavy rainfall is forecast over the coming 12 hours. We expect river levels to rise through today before stabilising overnight.”

The advice is: “Avoid using low-lying footpaths and any bridges near local watercourses and do not attempt to walk or drive through flood water.”