Gloucestershire Police are advising residents to limit road travel to essential journeys only, as heavy rainfall continues to batter the county, causing widespread flooding and hazardous driving conditions. The Met Office has issued further weather warnings, with more rainfall expected throughout the night and into the weekend, raising concerns of worsening conditions and further flood risks.
Local authorities have warned that many roads are treacherous due to standing water, making driving dangerous. In a statement, a spokesperson for the local transport authority said, “We’re strongly advising motorists to only travel if it is absolutely necessary. The current road conditions are dangerous in many areas, and the situation is expected to worsen before it improves.”
Residents who must travel are being reminded to exercise extreme caution and follow these safety guidelines:
- Check local flood warnings and road closure information before departing.
- Avoid driving through standing water, as it may be deeper than it appears.
- Reduce speed and increase following distances to account for reduced visibility and traction.
- Be prepared for sudden road closures or diversions.
Gloucestershire authorities are working to manage the impact of the ongoing weather, with emergency services on high alert to respond to flood-related incidents. The public is urged to monitor updates from local authorities and the Met Office as the situation develops.
