By Residents in Oxfordshire are being advised to keep a very close eye on the weather forecast and on local river levels in coming days.
Current levels on the Thames are other watercourses are high and are still likely to be exacerbated by heavy overnight rainfall from Wedndesday, November 13 in to Thursday, November 14 as the effects run through the river network.
Late on Thursday the Environment Agency issued two flood warnings relating to the River Cherwell. The first – from Banbury to just below Upper Heyford – remains in place The second – from Charwelton to above Banbury – has now been downgraded to a flood alert.
A flood warning for Wendlebury Brook through the village of Wendlebury has also been downgraded to a flood alert.
Meanwhile there are more than 20 flood alerts in place.
You can find out more about flooding and how to prepare and deal with it in the Oxfordshire Flood Toolkit.
How you can help and stay safe
- Look after yourself and others in flooded areas. Slow down on roads that have been affected by flooding – bow-waves caused by driving too fast can affect people’s homes and damage your own vehicle.
- Check on elderly or vulnerable family members to ensure they are safe and well
- Sign up for the Environment Agency’s Flood Alerts, especially if you live in an area you know to be at risk of flood
The public are welcome to get in touch with us via 0345 310 1111 if they wish to advise us of any problems on the roads with rising water levels or if road closure signs are no longer needed due to receding water.
Local routes affected
These roads are closed
- Lower Street, Islip
- Merton to Islip (at Oddington Bend)
- Roads in the village of Wendlebury
- Station Road in Cropredy
- Church Hill Tackley
- Woodeaton – the B4027 to Marston
- Marsh Gibbon Bicester Rd Road
These roads are flood affected but passable with care
- Tadmarton Road, Bloxham
- A4095 Lince Lane near the junction with the B4027 Station Road
- Station Road, Launton
- Five Ways Junction to Shutford Road in Tadmarton
- Cassington Road, Yarnton
- Bayswater Road, Oxford
- Ploughley Road, Lower Arncott
- The road between Barford St John and Barford St Michael
- Woodstock Road, Charlbury
- Lower Road, Eynsham
- Mill Street, Islip
- Fecot Road, Murcott
- Station Road, Launton
For more information
River levels in Oxfordshire can be monitored via the Environment Agency’s website here
Flood alerts and flood warnings for Oxfordshire can be monitored here
The Environment Agency’s Five Day Flood Risk page is here
Working hard in trying circumstances
Matt Chapman, Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, said:
“Many county council staff have been busy throughout the current flood situation, including highways, fire and rescue officers and crews, the Emergency Planning Unit and emergency response volunteers and care services, all working in trying circumstances due to the rainfall.
“Oxfordshire County Council roads team have responded to reports of flooded roads and have put out signs at a number of locations warning of poor driving conditions or closures. Some of these closure signs have been moved and we would like to emphasise that closure signs in the road are there for safety reasons and they should not be moved. Additional flooding caused by “bow-waves” from vehicles driving through flooded roads have also caused further issues for residents.
“Fire and rescue crews have rescued a number of people trapped in vehicles this morning and responded to reports of elderly or vulnerable people who friends and family have not been able to contact or reach. Additionally we have assisted with pumping out certain properties where a risk-to-life was identified due to flooding. Crews also worked alongside staff from Thames Water in Wendlebury to ensure the pumping station there continued to operate effectively.
“The best advice for residents is to be prepared for flooding, and avoid driving through flooded streets. Residents can keep up to date with the latest weather forecasts and Environment Agency alerts.”
Flood alerts and flood warnings for Oxfordshire can be monitored here
The Environment Agency’s Five Day Flood Risk page is here
The Oxfordshire Flood Toolkit, which offers a range of advice, is available here – https://www.oxfordshirefloodtoolkit.com/
Credit – Oxfordshire Council
Contact Gi Lifestyle
Email us: news@gi-media.co.uk
