Batten down the hatches . . . more rain and gales on the way

Flooding has blocked roads, caused severe disruption to trains and weather forecasters today warned more was on the way. The latest spell of rain heading our way will be accompanied by strong winds with gusts of between 50 and 60mph. People have been warned to expect another deluge of rain today after the torrential downpours which wreaked havoc across the region yesterday. Nearly 40mm of rain fell in some areas, the equivalent of two week's rain in a single day. The Met Office warned that up to 60mm (5in) of rain could fall on already saturated ground adding to a further risk of flooding. River levels are expected to peak in the Chew Valley at around 10pm tonight and in Bath at 12 noon tomorrow. Council chiefs have announced a plan of action for families threatened by flooding or damage to their homes which includes opening emergency reception centres in village halls. Bath and North East Somerset Council has warned residents about the approaching bad weather and advised people faced with evacuating their homes not to leave it to the last moment. St Lawrence School in Bradford on Avon was forced to close today because of the weather. Highways crews will be on the roads tonight monitoring the situation but motorists have been advised to avoid unnecessary journeys. Earlier today Mill Lane in Bathampton was blocked at the Toll Bridge Road junction because of flooding. Surface water was causing problems on the A431 in Bitton. Highways Agency South West Operations Manager, Gary Parsons, said "We are doing everything we can to ensure our roads are affected as little as possible by the adverse weather but we would urge road users to play their part by checking weather forecasts and traffic conditions before they set out and drive with extra care. "It takes twice as long to stop when the road is wet, so leave plenty of space between vehicles, and slow down if heavy rain or spray is making it difficult to see the road ahead. The region's rail network is still recovering from problems. Lines between Swindon and Bristol Parkway station are still blocked by flooding. Trains are being diverted and passengers have been warned to expect delays of up to 90 minutes. There were 33 flood warnings and 57 flood alerts still in operation across the South West. A red flood warning, which means flooding is expected and immediate action is required, was in operation for the River Avon at Bradford on Avon. People living near the River Avon from Bathford to Melksham have also been warned to expect flooding. And red flood warnings have been issued for Chippenham and Melksham. Flood warnings were in operation for the River Chew at Keynsham, the River Frome from Frome to Freshford, the River Avon at Melksham and the Upper Wylye near Warminster. Motorists who use Bath Hill East car park in Keynsham are warned that the car park is likely to be flooded. The extra Park and Ride site (service 31R) at Bath Racecourse will not be operating on Saturday, November 24. Yesterday, Freshford Primary School , near Bath, closed at lunchtime because teachers had to scramble to extract their cars from the rising waters in the car park, and a wall collapse nearby also threatened the safety of children.

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