Flood warning for River Avon after Storm Babet claims three lives in …

People on the Somerset border are being urged to 'act now' due to an official flood warning amid the ongoing onslaught of Storm Babet.

The Environment Agency warns 'flooding is expected' on the River Avon and its tributaries near Bath, especially downstream of Chippenham to Melksham, including Reybridge, Lacock and Bewley Court.

The warning comes after a spate of heavy rain across the Westcountry which has caused disruption to travel to Great Western Railway services in parts of Wiltshire and Bristol. The B3107 Bradford Road in Melksham is also flooded in both directions and is impassable to motorists.

A flood warning is in place on the Somerset border A flood warning is in place on the Somerset border

The flood warnings come after the Met Office issued a second 'red' weather warning for heavy rain in Scotland due to the arrival of Storm Babet, which has claimed three lives in the worst affected areas in the UK.

The Environment Agency states in its warning on the flooding service website: "Flooding is expected in this area. This means properties are at risk of flooding.

"Please take action to protect yourself and your property and monitor local weather and river conditions. Avoid contact with, walking or driving through flood water. Consider activating any property flood protection products you may have.

"Environment Agency Flood Warning Officers set the river or tidal levels that have triggered this message. During industrial action this message has been automatically issued based on rising river or tidal levels."

References

  1. ^ Storm Babet travel updates: Great Western Railway and Crosscountry trains 'suspended' as floods cause chao (www.somersetlive.co.uk)
  2. ^ Two women killed in M4 crash involving four cars and HGV (www.somersetlive.co.uk)