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Stormy weather raises flood fears Stormy weather raises flood fears
(9 minutes later)
Severe weather has struck much of England and Wales, with storms and threats of flooding causing disruption.Severe weather has struck much of England and Wales, with storms and threats of flooding causing disruption.
Heavy rain began lashing western England overnight and a repeat of July 2007's devastation is feared.Heavy rain began lashing western England overnight and a repeat of July 2007's devastation is feared.
Defences have been built in many areas, severe gales have hit much of west and south-east England and the Environment Agency has issued 48 flood warnings.Defences have been built in many areas, severe gales have hit much of west and south-east England and the Environment Agency has issued 48 flood warnings.
Flash floods have been predicted across areas of England and Wales, and up to 25mm (1in) of rainfall is expected.Flash floods have been predicted across areas of England and Wales, and up to 25mm (1in) of rainfall is expected.
'Troublesome''Troublesome'
Gale-force winds have been predicted of 60-65mph on the south-east coast of England and 50mph inland.Gale-force winds have been predicted of 60-65mph on the south-east coast of England and 50mph inland.
Chris Fawkes from the BBC weather centre said that the rain had left much of the ground saturated - and although Wednesday was expected to be dry, further storms on Thursday could result in further floods.Chris Fawkes from the BBC weather centre said that the rain had left much of the ground saturated - and although Wednesday was expected to be dry, further storms on Thursday could result in further floods.
"Today's rain won't drain through the system, so we could be looking at a very similar situation [to today], and there may well be more flooding," he said."Today's rain won't drain through the system, so we could be looking at a very similar situation [to today], and there may well be more flooding," he said.
Flood warnings have been issued along the River Severn between Worcester and Tewkesbury, and from Tewkesbury to upstream of Gloucester.Flood warnings have been issued along the River Severn between Worcester and Tewkesbury, and from Tewkesbury to upstream of Gloucester.
Kate Nelmes of Gloucestershire Police said: "We're not expecting things to be as serious as last year but we want to make sure we're prepared in case things get worse."Kate Nelmes of Gloucestershire Police said: "We're not expecting things to be as serious as last year but we want to make sure we're prepared in case things get worse."
Sgt John Roberts of West Mercia Police warned drivers in Worcestershire, Herefordshire and Shropshire that flooding on the roads was likely.Sgt John Roberts of West Mercia Police warned drivers in Worcestershire, Herefordshire and Shropshire that flooding on the roads was likely.
He added: "If you come across a flooded road, do not attempt to cross it as you cannot judge how deep the water will get and what hidden hazards may be under the water."He added: "If you come across a flooded road, do not attempt to cross it as you cannot judge how deep the water will get and what hidden hazards may be under the water."
Disruption caused by the weather has included:Disruption caused by the weather has included:
  • Strong winds in the Channel Islands leading to delays on all flights between Jersey, Guernsey and Alderney
  • Strong winds in the Channel Islands leading to delays on all flights between Jersey, Guernsey and Alderney
  • The 0930 GMT train between Cheltenham and Swindon cancelled due to floods
  • Train services cancelled in Hampshire, after flooding in the Botley and New Milton area
  • Traffic forced to slow down along the M5, in particular between junctions 11 and 12 northbound.
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  • Traffic forced to slow down along the M5 after heavy rain, in particular between junctions 11 and 12 northbound.
    • 'Ridiculous''Ridiculous'
    Gloucestershire County Council highway teams have been clearing debris from roads and inspecting the conditions of the region's highways.Gloucestershire County Council highway teams have been clearing debris from roads and inspecting the conditions of the region's highways.
    In Upton-upon-Severn, Worcestershire, which was badly affected during the summer floods, the river has burst its banks, but defences have prevented it flooding the town centre.In Upton-upon-Severn, Worcestershire, which was badly affected during the summer floods, the river has burst its banks, but defences have prevented it flooding the town centre.
    We can't live like this, every time it rains we're running home to save our possessions Kelly Bartlett, Gloucester resident Send us your commentsWe can't live like this, every time it rains we're running home to save our possessions Kelly Bartlett, Gloucester resident Send us your comments
    More than 4,000 homes and 500 businesses across Gloucestershire were affected by last year's floods.More than 4,000 homes and 500 businesses across Gloucestershire were affected by last year's floods.
    Kelly Bartlett, of the Longlevens Flood Committee in Gloucester, one of the city's worst-affected wards, said the council had begun last-ditch efforts to widen and deepen the brook which runs through her area and residents were busy lining the streets with sandbags.Kelly Bartlett, of the Longlevens Flood Committee in Gloucester, one of the city's worst-affected wards, said the council had begun last-ditch efforts to widen and deepen the brook which runs through her area and residents were busy lining the streets with sandbags.
    "Everyone in this area has stayed at home, no one has gone to work."Everyone in this area has stayed at home, no one has gone to work.
    "You can't live a normal life. Every time it rains, you have to stay at home."You can't live a normal life. Every time it rains, you have to stay at home.
    "People have moved their belongings upstairs.""People have moved their belongings upstairs."
    AdviceAdvice
    Many flood warnings have remained in place since Friday, when flash flooding brought roads and railways to a standstill.Many flood warnings have remained in place since Friday, when flash flooding brought roads and railways to a standstill.
    The agency said it expected the number of flood warnings to increase as the bad weather crossed Britain.The agency said it expected the number of flood warnings to increase as the bad weather crossed Britain.
    A spokeswoman said people in areas where warnings are in place should take action against potential flooding of homes and businesses.A spokeswoman said people in areas where warnings are in place should take action against potential flooding of homes and businesses.
    The agency advised people to continually check the flood information section of the Environment Agency website, which is updated every 15 minutes.The agency advised people to continually check the flood information section of the Environment Agency website, which is updated every 15 minutes.