Tewkesbury Borough Council has issued an urgent warning to motorists who have parked in the town’s riverside car parks, alerting them to rising floodwaters that threaten to submerge their vehicles.
Following persistent rainfall throughout January and continuing into February, water levels at the Rails Meadow car park have begun to rise sharply as the River Swilgate approaches its peak this weekend. The council took to Facebook to advise residents: “Floodwater levels in the Rails Meadow car park are rising. If your vehicle is parked there, please move it as soon as possible to avoid damage.”
Saturday evening saw water levels continue to climb, with the Environment Agency (EA) confirming a flood warning remains in effect for Tewkesbury. This warning indicates flooding is expected and urges residents and motorists to take immediate action.
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The warning specifically covers the River Severn at Severn Ham, a flood-prone area near Tewkesbury, including Abbey Mill, Upper and Lower Lode, and Shakespeare Court. According to the EA: “River levels continue to rise at the Mythe Bridge and Upper Pound River Gauges. Consequently, flooding continues. Flooding may affect property and roads in and around Severn Ham and access to Abbey Mill may be compromised.”
With more rain forecast over the coming days, the Environment Agency anticipates additional flood alerts and warnings. River levels are expected to reach their peak by Sunday afternoon.
As of 8:45 PM Saturday, the River Severn stood at 4.25 metres at Mythe Bridge. Flooding of properties becomes possible when levels exceed 3.60 metres, with forecasts predicting the river could rise to 4.5 metres by Sunday afternoon.