Another washout weekend due after flash floods hit (From Bicester Advertiser)

Another washout weekend due after flash floods hit

10:30am Saturday 7th July 2012 in News

HEAVY showers are expected to continue this weekend after flash flooding hit the county yesterday.

The Met Office says up to 70mm of rain could fall in parts of Oxfordshire today, which could have a major impact on many community events.

People should be prepared for surface water flooding and there is an increased likelihood of river flooding.

It follows heavy rainfall on Friday afternoon, which led to fire and rescue crews being called out to about 55 incidents. Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service attended incidents in Wheatley, Garsington, Witney and Wantage between 2pm and 4.30pm. In Wheatley, four fire engines dealt with properties hit by the floods and about 500 flood bags were delivered.

Mandy Wilson, 50, of West Field Road, said the High Street and Ambrose Rise were badly affected.

She said: “We decided to walk down there and couldn’t believe how horrendous it was.”

In Garsington, two fire engines were sent to deal with five flood-hit properties.

About six vehicles were stuck in flood water on the main road through Woodeaton and had to be rescued by fire crews. The area by Stockham School in Wantage was also flooded.

The Environment Agency issued flood warnings for Langford and Wendlebury Brooks and the River Ray. Heavy thundery showers are expected today with the potential of 60mm to 70mm in places. There may be thunder again tomorrow.

The outlook for Monday and Tuesday — as the Olympic Torch arrives in the county — is unsettled with showers.