Take care on flooded roads and footpaths as river levels gradually rise

Motorists are being advised to take extra care when driving along Oxfordshire roads that have been affected by flooding so as to avoid creating bow-waves that may affect properties or damage their own vehicles.

River levels in the county are currently high with a number of flood alerts in force. Currently there are only two routes closed due to high water – Chipping Norton Road in Ascot under Wychwood and the Oddington Bend between Merton and Islip.

Pedestrians and cyclists are also advised that towpaths in some locations have been submerged by water.

Flood alerts in place

Oxfordshire County Council’s Highways Group Manager Paul Wilson said: “People will have seen media coverage of conditions in the north of England. Our current position is very good in comparison but the Autumn as a whole has been very wet and the rivers have been gradually rising. There are now a number of flood alerts and ourselves, the Environment Agency and other parts are keeping a very close eye on rivers and streams and also the weather forecast.

“The public are welcome to get in touch with us if they wish to advise us of any problems on the roads with rising water levels.”

For more information

River levels in Oxfordshire can be monitored via the Environment Agency’s website here 

Flood alerts and flood warnings for Oxfordshire can be monitored here 

The Environment Agency’s Five Day Flood Risk page is here