Met Office issues yellow weather alert for South West including several flood warnings

Credit: ITV News

Flood warnings have been issued in Gloucestershire and Wiltshire, with residents in affected areas being urged to prepare for flooding.

The Environment Agency has issued 12 flood warnings along the River Severn where water levels are expected to rise further, following several days of heavy rainfall.

The organisation said: "We are closely monitoring the situation. Our incident response staff are checking defences and liaising with emergency services and or local authorities."

It comes as the Met Office has also issued a yellow weather warning for rain across most of the South West until 3am on Friday 5 January. They've said that another spell of rain falling on saturated ground could lead to more flooding and travel disruption.

The Environment Agency has issued 12 flood warnings (in red) and 4 flood alerts (in orange) around the river Severn. Credit: Environment Agency

The weather has already been causing travel disruption in the region with bus and train services affected.

Cross Country trains announced that due to heavy rain the railway lines between Gloucester and Lydney are blocked.They added that train services running through these stations may be cancelled, delayed or diverted.

Gloucestershire Highways also warned that the A38 Longford roundabout to Coombe Hill is closed due to flooding. They are urging people to find alternative routes.

Meanwhile Great Western Railway is advising people to travel 'as soon as possible' because of the forecasted rain.

A spokesperson said: "Those who have already travelled should consider making the return journey as soon as possible.

"With further flood warnings in place and the amount of rain forecast, Network Rail has identified key sites in Wiltshire, Somerset, Devon and Cornwall as being at risk of flooding from around 1500.

"Trains may not be able to operate through these areas."

Flooding at Chipping Sodbury Credit: Great Western Railway

The direct route between Swindon and Bristol Parkway remains closed due to flooding.

Other locations most at risk include sites between:

  • Swindon and Bristol Temple Meads

  • Newton Abbot and Plymouth

  • Exeter and Tiverton

  • Bristol Temple Meads and Western-super-Mare

  • Taunton and Westbury

  • Services between London Paddington and Swindon will continue to operate but may be affected by flooding elsewhere.

Customers with tickets for trains later today can use their ticket on earlier services.

Wiltshire Council has warned residents to avoid roads across the county closed due to flooding.

The council has asked people to avoid the following closed roads:

  • B4639 Christian Malford

  • Reybridge

  • The Wharf Lacock

  • B3105 Staverton The Causeway

  • B3106 Staverton Tollgate Rd

  • B3107 Challeymead

  • Smallbrook Rd Warminster

  • Kelleways

More updates to follow.