Further flood warnings across the South West in aftermath of Storm Henk

The River Avon has burst its banks in Bathampton flooding roads, threatening homes and businesses.

Storm Heck has hit the South West, bringing widespread flooding causing a number of emergency incidents across the region.

Yesterday evening a man in his fifties died after his car was struck by a falling tree on Tetbury Road near Kemble.

On 3 January, flash flooding led to a woman needing to be rescued from a car in Long Ashton, and a man from a van in Winterbourne. Emergency services are warning people to find alternative routes around floodwater in order to 'save lives'.

Area Manager for Avon Fire & Rescue Service says: “If you see any floodwater, our advice would always be to try and find an alternative route.

“If you do go through a puddle and get to the other side and it’s just up to your wheels always make sure that you test your breaks.

"Any extra ten minutes on your journey may save your life, save injury and damage to your car.”

Avon Fire & Rescue has also encouraged people in rural areas to prepare for flooding over the next few days.

While Storm Henk has now passed, ongoing poor weather has led to further cancellations on Wednesday 3 January.

Travel disruption - 3 January

  • Due to flooding on the Liskeard to Looe branch, the line will be suspended until further notice.

  • There is a reduced GWR service running between Plymouth and Newton Abbot due to flooding at Brent Mill Viaduct, meaning only one line is operational.

  • Following heavy rain flooding the railway between Totnes and Plymouth, all lines have now reopened. An amended timetable is being operated and disruption is expected throughout the day.

  • Due to flooding in a tunnel north of Yate, the line between Bristol Parkway and Gloucester is closed. Train services running through these stations will be cancelled. Road transport is being operated from Bristol Parkway towards Gloucester, and customers can use their rail ticket on First West of England bus route Y6 between Bristol Parkway and Yate.

  • Due to flooding at Patchway, the line towards Bristol Parkway is blocked. Train services between Cardiff Central and Bristol Parkway may be cancelled, delayed or diverted. Bristol Parkway will not be served. Train services between Cardiff Central and Bristol Temple Meads may be cancelled or delayed.

  • Train lines between Swindon and Bristol Parkway have flooded near Chipping Sodbury, leading to services being cancelled or delayed as these services must now take alternative routes. You can use your CrossCountry ticket on Great Western Railway services via any reasonable route. Road replacement transport has been sourced to run between Bristol Parkway and Cheltenham Spa.

  • People are being advised not to travel on GWR services between Westbury and Weymouth/ Portsmouth Harbour due to high winds. Disruption is expected until the end of the day. Tickets for travel on 3 January will be valid on 4 January.

  • CrossCountry lines between Bristol Parkway and Cheltenham Spa towards Birmingham New Street are blocked and expected to be closed until the end of the day.

  • The St Mawes Passenger Ferry between St Mawes and Falmouth has also cancelled all sailings today due to poor weather conditions.

Weather warning

An amber wind warning was issued before Storm Henk battered parts of the region with gusts of up to 80mph on Tuesday 2 January.

The highest gust across the UK was measured at Exeter Airport with speeds of 81mph recorded. Gusts of 71mph were also recorded on the Isle of Portland.

The Met Office warning, for parts of southern England, the Midlands, East Anglia and Wales, stated there could be disruption to travel as well as "flying debris" that is "likely and could lead to Injuries or danger to life".

River in Cornwall bursts its banks

Severe flooding has hit parts of the region with the River Inny bursting it's banks in Cornwall on Tuesday morning.

Storm Henk hits Chesil Beach 

Roof blown off at Okehampton station

The rail line between Crediton and Okehampton was also closed due to the roof of the footbridge at Okehampton Railway Station being partially blown onto the track at Okehampton Railway Station.

Bridge issue closes Okehampton Rail Line amidst severe weather. Credit: Haydon Beagley

GWR announced that due to heavy rain, flooding the railway between Crediton and Barnstaple, the line has been closed on Tuesday afternoon.

Severe flooding in Bathampton

The River Avon also burst its banks in Bradford-on-Avon, flooding roads and threatening homes and businesses.

Keynsham flooding

Keynsham has been hit by heavy flooding. The Lock Keeper pub on Keynsham road and the Keynsham rugby ground are now underwater.

Some houses across Somerset, Cornwall and Devon have also been left without power.

Aerial pictures have been released showing the extent of flooding around Tewkesbury after Storm Gerrit brought heavy rain to Gloucestershire.

The area around Tewkesbury Abbey, which has become well known for flooding during prolonged wet weather. Credit: PA

The Environment Agency has also issued flood warnings across the region, with one in place for the River Severn at Severn Ham, Tewkesbury.

More downpours are expected and flood warnings are in place along the River Severn. Credit: PA

The pictures were taken on Friday 29 December.

More downpours are expected and flood warnings are in place along the River Severn.