Flooding update: Warnings remain in place across south Warwickshire with river levels expected to rise until midnight
FLOOD warnings remain in place this morning (Wednesday) with river levels in Stratford expected to peak just after midnight.
Overnight the River Avon has crept further from its banks, covering parts of the Bancroft Gardens where the swans were making use of the extra swimming space outside the Royal Shakespeare Theatre.
Over the other side of the river, the paths on the Rec were impassable in places.
The latest river level measurement for the Avon in Stratford was 2m 15cm (taken just after 8am) – the top of the river’s normal range is about 93cm.
In 1998, when Stratford town centre suffered flooding, the River Avon reached 2m 71cm. That level is expected to be exceeded overnight, with estimates that the water could hit 2m 76cm.
Flood warnings and alerts also remain in place on the rivers Alne, Arrow, Stour and Dene.
Welford is highlighted as particular high-risk area for flooding while in Stratford Warwick Road, Tiddington Road, Bridgefoot, Waterside, Shipston Road, Avonside, Saffron Walk, Stratford Racecourse area and Luddington Road were all listed on the government’s flood warning website as sites which could see flooding.
Yesterday (Tuesday) firefighters rescued several residents trapped in their vehicles after driving through flood water while the Warwickshire Resilience Forum made preparations for flooding.
The forum, which includes councils and emergency services, warned motorists to stay out of flood water and for residents to be careful out walking.
It added: “Be careful walking in floodwater that is above knee level, it can easily knock you off your feet. The water could cover open manholes, road works or objects and you won’t be able to see them.
“Do not touch items that have been in contact with the water. Flood water is likely to be contaminated and could contain sewage. Disinfect and clean thoroughly anything that has got wet.”
The forum’s co-chair and chief fire officer at Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service, Ben Brook, said: “It is crucial that Warwickshire residents do everything they can to keep themselves and each other safe during this heavy rain and flooding in the county.
“A key part of that is not driving or walking through floodwater and following advice from emergency services. If signs are in place asking you not to drive through flooded areas, please do not ignore them, they are there to keep you safe.”
You can check which rivers have flood alerts or flood warnings in place by visiting https://check-for-flooding.service.gov.uk/alerts-and-warnings. To receive flood warnings by telephone, text or email call 0345 988 1188.
If you see flooding of public drains and roads, contact Warwickshire County Council and call the Environment Agency Floodline on 0345 988 1188 if you see flooding from collapsed or badly damaged riverbanks, or unusual changes in river flow.
Call Severn Trent Water on 0800 783 4444 if you see flooding from sewers and burst water mains.
