County braced for the worst after downpours cause flash floods - 04-09-2008

HEAVY overnight rainfall, and continued downpours this morning have led to flash flooding on the county's roads.

There have been reports of flooding affecting roads across the county, and it is believed some homes in the Lakeside area of Lydney have been flooded.

With around two inches of rain expected to fall overnight tonight and into tomorrow morning, county residents are being warned to prepare for worsening conditions.

Robinswood Primary School in Gloucester will be closed tomorrow due to the forecast.

This morning, the A48 at Lydney saw queueing traffic between the Naas Lane junction and the Mead Lane junction, but is now passable.

The A48 at Blakeney, close to the Parkend junction, was also blocked, but traffic in the area is now easing.

The B4014 at Nailsworth, on Avening Road westbound between the Wood Lane junction and the A46 Fountain Street junction was blocked, but is now passable again.

Tredworth Road in Gloucester, is flooded at the railway bridge, with one motorist forced to abandon their vehicle in more than four feet of water.

The Severn Area Rescue Association, whose lifeboat is used on the River Severn, has been placed on standby.

The Environment Agency has begun work has begun to clear Daniels Brook in Tuffley, which flooded earlier this year. 

At least 50mm of rain fell overnight as Gloucestershire braces itself for more bad weather to come.

Gloucestershire Media's weather warden Ian Thomas said 2 ins had fallen since 7pm last night with the rain still coming down close to his home at Dursley.

He said: "We thought the rain would have passed over but it has become stationary but it will break up later today ready for more bad weather tomorrow."

The forecast for tomorrow is for between 30mm and 50mm which could lead to some surface water flooding with winds of up to 60 mph.

The Met Office has issued a severe weather warning, stating: "Heavy rain will affect southern parts of the United Kingdom on Friday.

"Highest rainfall totals are likely to be across southwestern and western parts of England and South Wales, with accumulations in excess of 50 mm in places.

"The heavy rain will gradually turn showery from the southwest during the late morning and early afternoon."

http://www.thisisgloucestershire.co.uk/

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