Flood alerts remain in place as Oxfordshire forecast heavy rain

Forecasters predict much of the county will be pelted by downpours from about 8am tomorrow morning.

The Environment Agency listed five flood alerts affecting the county, as of 7pm today.

It is expected to update its website later this evening, and live updates can be found here.

The alerts in force were: 

- River Evenlode from Moreton in Marsh to Cassington, and the River Glyme at Wootton and Woodstock

- River Ray and its tributaries from Shipton Lee to and including Islip

- River Thame and Chalgrove Brook

- River Thames and Tributaries from Buscot Wick down to Kings Lock

- River Thames and tributaries in the Oxford Area

Property flooding is not expected.

Referring to the River Thames in Oxford, the Environment Agency (EA) said: "Levels are expected to continue to remain high for the next few days and flooding of low lying land and roads is expected to continue.

"Remain safe and be aware of your local surroundings, flood waters may be deep and fast flowing."

The EA also collects data about river levels, and several points along the Thames are approaching or already above the level at which flooding is possible.

Water levels at Godstow Lock near Wytham crept above the risk line today.

River Thames level at Godstow Lock, downstream. Graph: EA

The Thames has also crept above the possible flooding level at Eynsham Lock and Kings Lock, with Northmoor Lock looking set to follow. 

Bulstake Stream in Osney and the River Evenlode at Cassington Weir were also above the flood risk level.

According to the Met Office, there is a 95 per cent chance of heavy rain in Oxford from 11am tomorrow.

It is due to hit some areas of Oxfordshire even earlier, with Chipping Norton forecast heavy rain from 8am. 

Rain should ease from 1pm but showers could continue late into the afternoon. 

On Sunday heavy rain caused flooding to several roads in the county, particularly in West Oxfordshire.