DRIVERS in Oxfordshire are warned to take care as nine flood alerts remain in place in the county. 

Cllr Rodney Rose, the deputy leader of Oxfordshire County Council, said: "We’ve got a number of flood alerts but no flood warnings and there are no roads closed as a result of high water levels.

“However motorists should drive very carefully around or through pooled water on roads. Driving too quickly could lead to loss of control and an accident.

“Considerate driving would also mean avoiding drenching pedestrians by passing through water at an inappropriate speed or creating bow waves that can temporarily impact on people’s properties.

“We would also continue to advise people to obey any signage on towpaths that advise against walking through flooded areas.”

Paul Smith at Oxfordshire County Council said: "Many roads do have water pooled and motorists are advised to drive with due care and attention – not only for their own safety but also that of pedestrians and residents who live near roads."

The Environment Agency issued fresh alerts yesterday and they have remained in force as more rain is set to hit the county. 

There are flood alerts for the River Evenlode from Moreton in Marsh to Cassington and for the Langford and Wendlebury Brooks, from Stratton Audley, near Bicester, down to the village of Merton.

It is in addition to six other flood alerts already in place.

An agency spokesman told the Oxford Mail yesterday: "Rivers have risen in response to the last few days rain, water may flow into low lying areas but no property flooding is expected.

"More unsettled weather is expected to continue into next week."

It was not yet expected that any alerts would escalate to warnings, the spokesman added, and no properties were likely to be affected.

"New alerts are expected on the Thames at present, but expect to see flows and levels increase along the Thames for the next few days, more noticeable on the lower Thames.

"The Upper Thames and tributaries remain very sensitive to rain these are being constantly monitored.

"The Thames at Oxford and above is still rising slowly but not expected at present to reach flood Warning status, levels on the lower Thames have started to slowly rise in places."

Oxford Mail:

Mark Rodgers tweeted this picture around Osney Island 

The other six alerts in place for Oxfordshire are: 

  • The River Thames from Buscot Wick near Faringdon to Kings Lock, including Buscot, Kelmscott, Radcot, Chimney, Northmoor, Stanton Harcourt, Bablock Hythe, Eynsham, Swinford and Yarnton
  • The River Thames in the Oxford Area, including Wolvercote, Radley and Jericho.
  • The River Windrush from Bourton to Newbridge, including Burford, Asthall, Minster Lovell, Crawley, Witney, Ducklington, Rack End and Standlake.
  • The River Cherwell, from Lower Heyford down to Oxford, including Rousham, Enslow, Thrupp and Hampton Poyle.
  • The River Thame from Marsworth to Dorchester, including Long Marston, Rowsham, North Aylesbury, Cuddington, Thame, Shabbington, Ickford, Waterperry, Cuddesdon, Wheatley, Quarrendon, Drayton St Leonard, Overy, the Chalgrove Brook at Chalgrove and Stadhampton.
  • The River Leach from Northleach to Lechlade, including Fyfield and Little Faringdon.

Oxford Mail:

  • A map of alerts issued for Oxfordshire. Source: Gov.uk

It came as weather forecasts from the Met Office predicted more rain for most of today into the evening. 

Strong coastal gales are expected to blow northeastwards across the county, with "very heavy" showers expected.

Oxford Mail:

George sent in this picture of the Oatlands Park off Osney Island

The week to come is not expected to see much of an improvement. Wind and 'thundery' rain is forecast on Monday and Tuesday, with only a brief reprieve on Wednesday ahead of "very wet and windy" conditions on Thursday, the Met Office said.

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