More wild, wet weather on the way (From The Oxford Times)

More wild, wet weather on the way

10:20am Thursday 26th April 2012 in Didcot

OXFORDSHIRE got drenched yesterday as half-a-month’s rain fell on the county in one day.

Met Office spokesman Sarah Holland said up to 25mm – about an inch – was predicted to fall on Oxfordshire by midnight last night. The monthly average is 51mm.

More rain is expected today and tomorrow with the weather remaining unsettled at the weekend.

Ms Holland added: “Over the next few days drivers need to take extra care on the roads because there is a lot of surface water around and some flash flooding.”

Drivers found the southbound sliproad to the M40 closed at junction 8A for Oxford services closed due to flooding. Staff dug a trench next to the sliproad to help water drain away. The sliproad was reopened at 2pm.

There was also flash flooding outside the entrance to Oxford Railway Station car park in Becket Street.

Environment Agency bosses warned that drought conditions could increase the risk of flash flooding because dry ground does not easily adsorb water.

Agency flood expert, Craig Woolhouse, said: “The thought of flooding may be far from people’s minds, but we cannot ignore the risk.

“Dry ground means that there is a greater risk of flash flooding if there is heavy rainfall.”