Flood warnings after heavy rain across Bristol

Flood warnings have been issued as heavy rain hit Bristol overnight.

A spell of heavy and persistent rain is forecast for Bristol this morning, following yesterday's wet weather.

The rain should ease off during the course of the day, but the Met Office says people should be prepared for the risk of flooding and disruption to transport.

This afternoon will be clearer, but it will cloud over this evening with winds strengthening overnight.

There will be some more rain over night and tomorrow will be very windy with some severe gales, and more heavy rain - especially later in the day.

There were reports this morning of surface water and sections of flooding on M5 southbound near Thornbury as well as several other roads in the region.

Among the roads affected this morning are the A431 from Bristol to Bath, the A370 to Long Ashton the M32, the A4 Bath road near Saltford, the bottom of Whiteladies Road and St Anne’s Road in St Philips.

Delays to train services from Exeter were caused by flooding in Tiverton while trains to London were diverted due to flooding in the Chipping Sodbury tunnel.

Avon Fire and Rescue Service spokesman Darren Bane said there were a number of flood alerts in place throughout the area but so far crews had only attended one incident in Congresbury.

Fire crews were called to a private property in Station Road at 7.50pm yesterday after reports of flooding in the bathroom.

Firefighters carried out temporary repairs to keep the water out.

The BBC is reporting that Portbury village centre is currently under about six inches of water.

For more details of the forecast visit our weather pages.

UPDATE 12.30PM

Avon Fire and Rescue have reported a busy morning rescuing people affected by the flooding - including a woman in labour.

They have urged anyone planning to travel to listen to local radio broadcasts for latest travel information.

Consider whether your journey is necessary, allow plenty of time for your journey, think about alternative routes in case you find your intended route affected by flood water, take great care when driving, and if you do drive through water, test your brakes afterwards.

UPDATE 2.15PM

There is severe disruption and cancellations on train services in the Bristol area due to the heavy rain this morning.

Customers are being advised by First Great Western not to travel unless necessary.

-Owing to flooding between Bristol Temple Meads and Weston-super-Mare all lines are blocked. Train services between Bristol Temple Meads and Weston-Super-Mare may be cancelled or delayed by up to 120 mins at short notice.

-Owing to flooding between Bristol Parkway and Gloucester all lines are blocked. Train services running through these stations may be cancelled or delayed by up to 120 mins at short notice.

-Owing to flooding between Swindon and Bristol Parkway all lines are blocked. Train services between Bristol Parkway and Newport South Wales are returning to normal but some services may still be cancelled or delayed by up to 120 mins at short notice. Normal services will be provided as soon as possible.

Information on bus services affected can be found at First's website.

UPDATE 3.30PM

The river Yeo in Congresbury is about to burst its banks.

Firefighters are trying to pump water off the surrounding area.

A large crowd has gathered to watch events unfold.