Residents urged to brace for more flooding

A path in Holybrook Linear Park is covered by floodwater. It is a dry day and the sun is reflected in the water.
Image caption,

Flooding has run over paths in Linear Park, Calcot

  • Published

There are still properties at risk of flooding across Oxfordshire and Berkshire.

High winds and rainfall from Storm Bert have caused major disruption to homes, roads and railways.

More rain is due to fall on Tuesday and Wednesday, with Environment Secretary Steve Reed saying more flooding is likely this week but that it should be "less severe" than on Sunday.

Great Western Railway (GWR) said while most trains are operating on its network on Tuesday, customers are advised to complete their journeys by 19:00 GMT.

Image caption,

The Showcase Cinema's rear car park in Winnersh is closed by flooding from the River Loddon

The Environment Agency (EA) has issued more than 100 warnings and more than 120 floods alerts across England.

Flooding in Oxfordshire shut seven schools on Tuesday, including in Banbury, East Hanney and Abingdon.

The Tesco Extra store in Abingdon has also been closed after flooding.

The EA states levels will be high because of heavy rainfall along the River Thames, particularly around New Hinksey, North Hinksey, South Hinksey and Grandpont in Oxford.

It is also expecting the risk of flooding along the River Cherwell, including in Lower Heyford and Kidlington.

A warning remains in place for the River Kennet, between Theale and Reading.

Image source, Steve Berman
Image caption,

Mill Lane in Kidlington was flooded after the River Cherwell spilled over

GWR advises passengers to check its website, external before they travel on several key routes.

It said reduced train services are running from Newbury station, which was closed by flooding on Monday, but some platforms remain shut.

The Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service said flood alerts were in place in the county and motorists should avoid driving through flood water.

The Met Office said it will conduct a full assessment of Storm Bert but that it was "well forecast" in advance with a number of warnings issued.

A man whose property flooded for the second time in months in Didcot previously told the BBC he was "frazzled" and "frustrated".

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