Flood warning for properties near River Chew in Keynsham area
By BeckyFeather | Monday, September 24, 2012, 10:47
A flood warning was issued today by the Environment Agency for low-lying properties on the River Chew from Chew Stoke to Keynsham.
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Drivers were urged to take care driving through deep water
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Water coming up from a manhole cover in Keynsham's Chandag Road after a day and night of heavy rain
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The River Chew has burst its banks at Keynsham
Between 60 and 70mm of rain has fallen in the past couple of days - equivalent to the whole of September's expected rainfall.
The heavy rain in the Keynsham area yesterday and overnight meant it was slow going on roads in the rush hour today because of localised flooding with some roads closed.
A Bath & North East Somerset Council spokesman said that Sleep Lane at Whitchurch was closed because of flooding. Meanwhile the A368 between the Chelwood roundabout and the Marksbury garage was closed for a while but reopened this afternoon.
The spokesman added: "Officers from Bath & North East Somerset Council are out in force to help alleviate the problems caused by the severe wet weather. If you are aware of any other roads which are impassable, contact Council Connect on 01225 394041."
There was a lot of surface water on the Keynsham Road in rush hour this morning where pedestrians and cyclists risked a soaking from the spray of passing traffic. The heavy rainfall also saw water gushing out from underneath manhole covers in Chandag Road and on the Wellsway.
The Siston Brook at Oldland Common burst its banks and flooded local roads and nearby gardens. Children were wading through knee deep on their way to school and several cars turned back not, wanting to risk going through. The waters cleared during the day.
Police were warning motorists to take particular care as they travel today.
"Please allow extra time for your journey and consider if you really need to travel this morning. If you do, motorists are reminded to avoid going through deep water – a small number of motorists have already become stranded in their vehicles, " saaid a spokesman for Avon & Somerset police.
There is more rain forecast tomorrow and Wednesday.
See pictures of flooding and rising river levels in and around Keynsham
The Environment Agency's Floodline is 0845 988 1188
Comments
The Environment Agency is saying this morning that the flood alert is no longer in force.
By BeckyFeather at 07:36 on 25/09/12
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