Gloucestershire is experiencing significant flooding as heavy rain continues to batter the county, prompting multiple road closures and travel warnings. A Met Office weather warning remains in effect until 9pm on Thursday, December 18, highlighting the risk of flooding to homes and businesses, along with disruptions to public transport and road travel.
The warning forecasts flooding of some residential and commercial areas, longer journey times due to spray and standing water on roads, and possible interruptions to power and other essential services. Coastal areas may also face large waves and tricky driving conditions.
The Environment Agency has issued a flood warning for the River Severn at Severn Ham in Tewkesbury, with several flood alerts active across the region. Gloucestershire County Council’s highways department has confirmed several road closures due to flooding, including Northway Lane near Dairy Way. This list will be updated as conditions evolve.
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The Met Office alert covers Gloucester, Cheltenham, Stroud, Cirencester, and much of the eastern Cotswolds, though areas like Tewkesbury and the Forest of Dean are just outside the warning zone. Heavy rain began early on Wednesday and is expected to intensify mid-morning Thursday, with rainfall totals between 15-25mm widely likely, and localized totals reaching 40-50mm, especially over the Downs. The rain will be accompanied by strong winds, with gusts up to 60 mph possible on exposed southern coasts and 40-50 mph inland. The wet and windy conditions are expected to ease by day’s end.
The Environment Agency warns of rising river levels, with flooding expected to impact properties and roads around Severn Ham. Access to Abbey Mill may be affected, with river levels predicted to peak between 3.6m and 4.1m by Sunday, December 21.
Residents and travellers across Gloucestershire and nearby counties including Worcestershire, Warwickshire, Herefordshire, Upper Thames, and Oxfordshire should remain vigilant and monitor local updates as the situation develops.