An urgent flood warning has been issued stating that property flooding is expected and telling residents to prepare.
The flood warning, more serious than previous flood alerts, was issued last night due to heavy rainfall causing river levels to rise, with more rain forecast today and tomorrow.
It asks residents to “act now” and move possessions off the ground and move family, pets and cars to safety.
It applies to River Thames areas north of Swindon, from Buscot Wick down to Shifford including Buscot, Kelmscott, Radcot, Lower Bampton area and Chimney area.
The full warning from the night of September 25 states: “Flooding is expected - act now. Property flooding is expected.
"River levels are rising on the River Thames as a result of very heavy rainfall over the last few days.
“This is causing the Thames to rise and this could continue for some time. More rain is forecast on Thursday 26/09/2024.
“Therefore, flooding of property and roads is possible from about 22:00 this evening in Kelmscott and Bampton.
“Some rain is expected this evening but Thursday evening and night are likely to bring more rain to the area.
“We expect river levels to continue to rise slowly and then hold steady overnight.
“Our staff are liaising with councils and emergency services. Our staff are managing weirs on the River Thames to reduce flood risk.
“Move possessions and valuables off the ground or to safety. Move family, pets and cars to safety. Don't drive through flood water. “
An update on the flood warning is expected this morning, or as the situation changes.
Less serious flood alerts are still in place around Swindon, which do not warn of property flooding.
An active weather warning is in place across Wiltshire for heavy rain, following a week that has already seen the county drenched, causing roads and towns to flood.
The weather warning runs from 6am this morning until 9am tomorrow.
Across Wiltshire the wet weather caused some roads to become impassable with some remaining closed today.
The roads include:
- Lacock - Reybridge
- Lacock - The Wharf
- Staverton - Tollgate Road
Meanwhile a flood warning is still in place for for the Upper Bristol Avon area including Malmesbury, Dauntsey, Chippenham and Calne.
The warning reads: "Flooding is forecast to affect locations near the Bristol Avon, Tetbury Avon, Sherston Avon and Dauntsey Brook, with low lying land and roads expected to be most affected, particularly in Tetbury, Badminton, Brook End at Luckington, Corsham, Lacock and the road at Reybridge."
Another flood alert remains in place for the Mid Bristol Avon area including Melksham and Bradford on Avon.
It reads: "Further flooding is possible tomorrow and Friday as river levels are forecast to rise again in response to rainfall later today and tomorrow. Weather conditions are expected to improve from Friday and river levels are forecast to fall through the weekend."
For flooding advice, you can contact Floodline:
Telephone: 0345 988 1188
Textphone: 0345 602 6340Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Information on how to prepare for flooding can be found on the government website.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here