Flood warnings remain as rivers continue to swell

Flooding is expected to continue in parts of Berkshire and south Oxfordshire as rivers remain heavily saturated after weeks of persistent rain, the Environment Agency (EA) has warned.

Flood warnings remain in place for homes near the River Kennet in Burghfield, Southcote, Coley and Holybrook, as well as along the River Thames around Shiplake, Wargrave and Purley.

EA flood risk manager Jon Mansbridge said the affected areas were "where floodwater can actually breach properties' thresholds, so enter people's homes".

He urged residents to take precautions.

The EA said more than 30 days' worth of rain had fallen since January, creating an ongoing risk that teams were "continuing to monitor".

Mansbridge added: "Things are bad all over the country at the moment. The whole country is suffering - nationally there are over 164 alerts out and 102 warnings.

"We are really seeing this cycle of wet weather coming through… causing widespread problems."

Oxford's Radcliffe Meteorological Station reported the city saw 62% more rainfall than usual in January, while 88% of the typical monthly amount has already fallen in the first 10 days of February.

Mansbridge said groundwater was now adding to the problems.

A groundwater alert remains in place for Lambourn Valley, and he warned of "lots more impact over the next month or so".

He reminded residents that flood alerts mean flooding is possible, while warnings mean it is expected.

People in at‑risk areas should move valuables upstairs, relocate cars to higher ground and ensure pets are safe.

"My advice is not to drive or walk through floodwater because it is often murky, you can't see what is underneath - like a manhole cover can pop up - and there is a danger to life," he added.