People told to 'move valuables' as Gloucestershire floods amid epic thunderstorm

A series of flood warnings and alerts have been issued across Gloucestershire after the heavens opened up and rain lashed the region. Locals have faced thunder, lightning strikes and wild hailstorms, while buckets of rain poured down today (Friday, September 20) - the first of what looks to be three days of horrible rain in the county.

Streets in Gloucester, Cheltenham and Tewkesbury and beyond have been flooded by the amount of rainwater and there have been reports of stranded vehicles on the A40. The Environment Agency has issued three 'act now' flood alerts in Gloucestershire, warning locals to 'move valuables' at risk of water damage.

Warnings are in place along the River Chelt in Cheltenham and Uckington, as well as the Wye Estuary at Brockweir. It comes after flood risks yesterday (Thursday, September 19) caused by this month's spring tide.

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A flood warnings means flooding is expected to happen, so immediate action is needed. If a warning is issued, you should:

• protect yourself and your loved ones

• move your loved ones, pets and valuables to a safe place

• move to higher ground or the upper floor of a building

• turn off the gas, electricity and water in your home if it’s safe

• put flood protection equipment in place

• do as the emergency services tell you

• help others if it’s safe to do so

Meanwhile, an alert means flooding is possible in the area and residents should prepare to act:

• be ready to follow your flood plan

• have insurance documents and any medications ready

• avoid walking, cycling or driving through any flood water

• move any livestock and farming equipment away from areas likely to flood

More thunderstorms are expected over the coming days and the Met Office has three separate weather alerts in place over the weekend. Another thunderstorm warning is due to activate tomorrow, while on Sunday, torrential rain is due to hit the South West.

Met Office Chief Meteorologist, Jason Kelly said: “Thundery downpours have developed across parts of southern England, and will last into Friday evening, bringing frequent lightning, gusty winds, hail, and spells of heavy rain. The risk of thunderstorms persists into the weekend with potentially longer spells of heavy rain for some along with a continued risk of hail and lightning accompanying the most intense storms. Parts of the Midlands, southern England and east Wales appear at greatest risk of seeing these conditions.

“The warnings cover the areas of the country most at risk of seeing thunderstorms but not everyone within a warning area will experience a thunderstorm. For many much of the time it will remain dry.”

Flood warnings

River Chelt at Springbank, Cheltenham

River levels are rising at the Arle river gauge as a result of localised thunderstorms. Consequently, flooding (of property) is imminent. We expect flooding to affect properties and roads in the Springbank area and Princess Elizabeth Way due to overtopping of local access bridges. Frank Brookes Road due to the overtopping of Kierle Wall

We are closely monitoring the situation. Our incident response staff are clearing weed screens.

Please move possession and valuables off the ground or to safety.

River Chelt at Uckington and Boddington

River levels are rising at the Arle river gauge as a result of localised thunderstorms. Consequently, flooding is imminent. We expect flooding to affect properties and roads in the Uckington and Boddington area.

We are closely monitoring the situation. Our incident response staff are clearing weed screens.

Please move possession and valuables off the ground or to safety.

Wye Estuary at Brockweir

A flood warning has been issued as high tides are expected over the next 2 days with tides peaking this evening Friday 20/09/2024. High Tides may impact properties and roads including garages at Brockweir.

Predicted peaks.

• Newport 7.4 to 7.6m at 21:45 on 20/09/2024 and 6.9 to 7.2m at 10:00 on 21/09/2024.

• Avonmouth Portbury 7.7 to 8.0m at 21:45 on 20/08/2024 and 7.3 to 7.6m at 10:15 on 20/09/2024.

High water conditions may apply a few hours either side of the high tide. We are closely monitoring the situation. Our incident response staff are checking defences. Please avoid contact with flood water.

Flood alerts

Tributaries in Cheltenham and Tewkesbury

River levels are rising at the Cox's Flume river gauge as a result of localised thunderstorms. Consequently, flooding of property/roads and farmland is expected/possible betwee18:00 and 21:00 today, 20/09/2024. We expect flooding to affect low lying land and roads adjacent to Wymans Brook, Carrant Brook, Hatherley Brook, Swilgate and the River Chelt. Locations that may be affected include Mitton, Aschurch, Walton Cardiff and locations along the River Chelt from Charlton Kings to Uckington and Boddington.

We are closely monitoring the situation. Our incident response staff are clearing weed screens.

Please plan driving routes to avoid low lying roads near rivers, which may be flooded.#

Tributaries in Gloucester

River levels are rising at the Clomoney Way river gauge as a result of localised thunderstorms. Consequently, flooding could occur between 18:00 and 21:00 on 20/09/2024, but there is low confidence given the unpredictable nature of thunderstorms. We expect flooding to affect low lying land and roads adjacent to Horsbere Brook, Wotton Brook, River Twyver, River Sud, Whaddon Brook, Daniels Brook & Dimore Brook. Locations that may be affected include Longlevens, Wotton, Barnwood & Upton St Leonards.

We are closely monitoring the situation. Our incident response staff are clearing weed screens.

River Leadon catchment

River levels are rising at the Bromsberrow river gauge as a result of localised thunderstorms. Consequently, flooding could occur between 21:00 and 0:00 on 20/09/2024, but there is low confidence given the unpredictable nature of thunderstorms. We expect flooding to affect low lying land and roads adjacent to the River Leadon. Locations that may be affected include Ledbury, Much Marcle, Staunton and Tibberton.

We are closely monitoring the situation. Our incident response staff are clearing weed screens.

Please plan driving routes to avoid low lying roads near rivers, which may be flooded

Wye Estuary in Gloucestershire

A flood alert has been issued due to high spring tides. Consequently, flooding is expected for the duration of the high tides between 18/09/2024 and 22/09/2024. High water conditions may apply for an hour either side of high tide. Flooding may affect low lying land and roads adjacent the Wye Estuary from Redbrook to Chepstow.