Tewkesbury Borough Council has issued an urgent alert to motorists parking in riverside car parks, warning that rising floodwaters could soon engulf their vehicles. The Rails Meadow car park is particularly at risk following persistent heavy rains throughout January and February, which have caused river levels to rise significantly over the weekend.
In a Facebook announcement, the council stated: “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.”
As evening approached on Saturday, water levels continued to climb around the River Swilgate, which borders Tewkesbury to the south. The Environment Agency has confirmed an active flood warning for the town, indicating flooding is expected and residents should take immediate precautions.
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This flood warning covers the River Severn at Severn Ham, Tewkesbury—an area known for frequent flooding—as well as locations near Abbey Mill, Upper and Lower Lode, and Shakespeare Court. The Environment Agency notes: “River levels continue to rise at the Mythe Bridge and Upper Pound River gauges. Consequently, flooding continues. Property and roads in and around Severn Ham may be affected, and access to Abbey Mill could be compromised.”
With additional rainfall forecast, the Environment Agency anticipates further flood alerts and warnings in the coming days. River levels are not expected to reach their peak until tomorrow.
As of 8:45 pm Saturday, the River Severn level at Mythe Bridge stood at 4.25 metres. Property flooding is possible when levels rise above 3.60 metres, and the predicted peak could reach 4.5 metres by Sunday afternoon.